Welcome to the May edition of our Global Logistics Update. While we typically deliver a comprehensive overview once a month now, the dynamic nature of global logistics has prompted an essential mid-month spotlight. Whether you’re managing international shipping, monitoring geopolitical impacts, or navigating new compliance challenges, this update delivers the insights you may need to stay agile and competitive.
South African Ports
South African ports play a critical role as strategic gateways between the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, serving as key gateways for trade and connecting Africa to global markets. We expand below on the current field challenges at the three main ports:
We highlight in these images vessels currently at anchorage pending berth at our three main ports. Port congestion and delays have been reported with Durban at 2 days, Cape Town at 8 days and Coega at 3 days on average.
Majority union at Transnet downs tools
The matter is currently still being handled by the CCMA, which is facilitating urgent negotiations in an effort to break the deadlock. Talks are ongoing as of mid-May 2025.
https://www.freightnews.co.za/article/majority-union-transnet-downs-tools
UNTU prepares for possible strike as Transnet wage negotiations reach deadlock
“Should no revised offer be forthcoming, UNTU will issue Transnet with a 48-hour notice of industrial action. This could potentially result in industrial action commencing on Thursday, 22 May 2025, in line with the overwhelming mandate secured from its members,” he said.
Global Ports
Understanding global port congestion is crucial for stakeholders across the supply chain — from shippers and freight forwarders to importers, exporters, and logistics planners. Knowing where congestion is occurring helps businesses adjust schedules, reroute shipments, or shift to alternative modes of transport.
PORT UPDATES:
Ports not mentioned under each region, experience minor berthing delays of 2 days or less.
AFRICA & INDIAN OCEAN ISLANDS
Kenya– Berthing delays of 5 days experienced at Mombasa port.
Mauritius– Berthing delays of 3 days experienced at Port Louis.
Mozambique– Berthing delays of 3 days experienced at Maputo Port.
NORTH AMERICA
Canada
Toronto– Berthing delays of 6 days experienced at this port.
Montreal- Berthing delays of 2 days experienced at this port.
USA
Minor berthing delays across all main ports.
Direct services into and out of South Africa for the USA is via the AMEX service; with MSC and Maersk. Schedule integrity has not been performing optimally, with delays in South Africa as well as US terminals have resulted in vessel rotation changes as well as extended transit times and delays. There has been some vessel bunching on south bound services and a high number of vessel changes on the service, thus impacting schedule integrity and cargo bookings.
LATIN AMERICA
Brazil/Argentina/Mexico – Berthing delays of 2-3 days experienced at main ports.
NORTH WEST CONTINENT, UNITED KINGDOM, MEDITERRANEAN
Belgium/France/Spain – Berthing delays of 3-5 days experienced at main ports
Italy- Berthing delays of 9 days experienced at La Spezia port.
*We are seeing delayed transshipments in Las Palmas and Algeciras approx. 1-2 weeks.
*Unions in Belgium have called for a National Day of Action on Tuesday, May 20
https://www.freightnews.co.za/article/belgium-port-strike-cards
UK – Berthing delays of 6 days experienced at London Gateway Port.
Carriers continue to discharge vessels at Southampton port and on the continent –Rotterdam; which then extends transit time and delays for transshipment to LGP. There are current reports of high levels of congestion in the European ports, including the UK. Vessel delays, changes in schedules, as a result of the new carrier alliances, port congestion and strikes in some regions, have resulted in extensive delays, last minute schedule changes, vessel phase out / phase in, cut-off time amendments with little to no notice and vessels performing “cut and run” at various ports to regain schedules.
INDIAN SUB-CONTINENT & MIDDLE EAST
India/UAE/Sri Lanka – Berthing delays of 2 days experienced at main ports with Colombo increasing in transhipment volume, expected delays up to 2 weeks.
APAC (Including Oceania)
Korea/Qingdao/Shanghai/Taiwan/Thailand– Berthing delays of 2-3 days experienced at main ports
Singapore – Minor berthing delays. Slight bunching of vessels experienced, and transhipments have a 1-week delay
Ocean Freight Market Outlook May 2025
Freight News
We understand the importance of staying up to date with the latest trends, challenges, and advancements in our industry and we wish to highlight just a few articles which you might find of interest.
Infrastructure investment to turbocharge SA’s transport and trade future
Intra-Africa trade could be strategic response to US tariffs
https://www.freightnews.co.za/article/intra-africa-trade-could-be-strategic-response-us-tariffs
Rabiee, Mærsk discuss joint cooperation amid Red Sea developments
US retailers welcome pause on China tariffs
https://www.freightnews.co.za/article/us-retailers-welcome-pause-china-tariffs
IATA to downgrade air cargo growth forecast ‘to something more sustainable’
https://theloadstar.com/iata-to-downgrade-air-cargo-growth-forecast-to-something-more-sustainable
Sources & References
Loadstar / Freight News / GoComet / L.U.A / Transnet / BizCommunity / AfricaPorts / Container Statistics+News / SACO / Linerlytica / Sea Intelligence / DHL / Freight Waves / Xeneta / IOL.