Welcome to the January edition of our Global Logistics Update. The logistics industry continues to evolve rapidly, influenced by a dynamic mix of geopolitical events, technological advancements, and changing consumer demands. We aim to bring you the latest updates on shipping trends, challenges, and opportunities worldwide in order to navigate this ever-changing landscape.
South African Ports
South African ports are integral to our economy, facilitating the movement of goods domestically and internationally, acting as key hubs across Southern Africa. Managed by Transnet National Ports Authority, these ports support a variety of cargo types, including bulk commodities, containers, liquid fuels, and automotive products. The primary ports include Durban, Cape Town, Richards Bay, Ngqura, Port Elizabeth, Port of East London and Saldanha Bay, each with varying degrees of challenges and advancements. We expand on our three main ports as summarised on a weekly basis below:
We highlight in these images vessels currently at anchorage pending berth at our 3 main ports. Port congestion and delays have been reported with Durban at 8 days, Cape Town at 6 days and Coega at 3 days on average.
While South African ports are currently grappling with operational inefficiencies, financial losses, and congestion, strategic investments and infrastructure reforms are underway to address these issues. The success of these initiatives will be pivotal in enhancing port performance and supporting the nation’s economic recovery in the coming years.
Road Freight
Road Freight Consolidations to Zimbabwe, Malawi, Zambia, Angola and DRC have resumed. Availability for dedicated cross border vehicles has normalised.
Mozambique remains closed as truckers hold back vehicles due to risk of riots and unrest at the border and in the capital.
No resolution to container handling crisis at Durban port
The freight industry has expressed concern at the adverse impact on business due to inefficiencies associated with Transnet battling a shortage of straddle carriers – new equipment to move and stack containers at the Port of Durban’s pier 2 container terminal.
https://www.citizen.co.za/news/no-resolution-to-container-handling-crisis-at-durban-port
SA port activity starts the year on a positive note
“Wind stoppages in Cape Town have been minimal, with the added advantage of a benign southeaster windy season so far.” This is good news for grape shippers for the rest of the season.
“But as we emerge from the festive season lull, increasing throughput will place more pressure on port and landside infrastructure,” the carrier warns.
https://www.freightnews.co.za/article/sa-port-activity-starts-year-positive-note
Global Ports
Port Updates:
Africa & Indian Island Oceans
East African ports continue to experience congestion. Export scheduling to the region is still erratic with multiple changes to published schedules. Apapa port is currently experiencing the most landside congestion. Please expect delivery disruptions/
Nigeria/ Namibia/ Ivory Coast/ Ghana/ Tanzania – main ports experienced 1–3 day berthing delays
Angola/ Kenya/ Mozambique – main ports experienced 4-6 day berthing delays
Mauritius – Berthing delays of 2 days experienced at Port Louis
North America
Canada:
Montreal/Vancouver/Toronto – berthing delays of 5-7 days experienced at main ports
USA:
New York / New Jersey – Vessel waiting time is up to 5 days. New cranes are in process of being assembled.
Norfolk/ Savannah/ Charleston/ Miami/ Oakland – Vessel waiting time is 4-6 days.
Houston/ L.A. – Vessel waiting time is 2 days.
Seattle – Vessel waiting time is up to 3 days with increased operational time.
Latin America:
Argentina – Berthing delays of 2 days experienced at Buenos Aires port.
Brazil – Berthing delays of 2 days experienced at Santos port.
Mexico – Berthing delays of 3 days experienced at Altamira, Manzanillo ports and Veracruz ports
North West, UK, Mediterranean:
Belgium – Berthing delays of 5 days experienced at Antwerp port.
France – Berthing delays of 2 days experienced at Le Havre port.
Germany – Berthing delays of 7 days experienced at Hamburg port and 2 days at Bremerhaven port.
Italy – Berthing delays of 7 days experienced at Genova port and 5 days at La Spezia ports.
Netherlands – Berthing delays of 5 days experienced at Rotterdam port.
Spain – Berthing delays of 4 days experienced at Barcelona port.
Sweden/ Turkey – Berthing delays of 3 days experienced at main ports
UK – Berthing delays of 2 days experienced at London Gateway port.
Indian Sub-Continent & Middle East
Airlines in the middle east have suspended services to and from some countries
India – Berthing delay of 2 days experienced at Nhava Sheva and 1 day at Chennai port.
UAE – Berthing delays of 2 days experienced at Jebel Ali port
Sri Lanka – Berthing delays of 2 days experienced at Colombo port. FCL containers transhipping in Colombo still have expected delays of 2 weeks.
Asia Pacific + Oceania:
Minor berthing delays with 1-2 days delay at the most
Shanghai – Berthing delays of 3 days experienced at this port
Malaysia – Minor berthing delays. FCL containers transhipping in Tanjung Pelepas have expected delays of 1-2 weeks
Singapore – Minor berthing delays. FCL containers transhipping in Singapore have expected delays of 1-2 weeks
China – Lunar New Year 2025 starts on Wednesday, January 29th, and celebrations culminate with the Lantern Festival on February 12th. Celebrations last up to 16 days, but only the first 7 days are considered a public holiday. Please expect delays as many companies will close during this period (January 29th–February 4th, 2025).
- China: 28th January to 4th February, resuming 5th February
- Hong Kong: 29th January to 2nd February, resuming 3rd February
- Korea: 28th January to 30th January, resuming 31st January
- Malaysia: 29th January to 30th January, resuming 31st January
- Singapore: 28 January to 30th January, resuming 31st January
- Taiwan: 25th January to 2nd February, resuming 3rd February
- Vietnam: 27th January to 2nd February. resuming 3rd February
Ocean Alliance plays stability trump card
Sailing and schedule stability at a time of liner collaboration realignment has been identified as the trump card – pun unequivocally intended – for Ocean Alliance, the only vessel-sharing group that won’t be reconfiguring this year.
https://www.freightnews.co.za/article/ocean-alliance-plays-stability-trump-card
Red Sea to remain volatile despite ceasefire
The potential ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas will take effect from January 19 once the terms have been agreed to by both parties.
https://www.freightnews.co.za/article/red-sea-remain-volatile-despite-ceasefire
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.
Copperbelt border traffic eased but problems persist
https://www.freightnews.co.za/article/copperbelt-border-traffic-eased-problems-persist
Tender outsourcing not possible but ‘prescript departures’ exist – Transnet
OPINION: We can fix SA’s rail network together
https://www.freightnews.co.za/article/opinion-we-can-fix-sas-rail-network-together
Container teu-mile growth could go into reverse if Red Sea transits resume
https://theloadstar.com/container-teu-mile-growth-could-go-into-reverse-if-red-sea-transits-resume
Growth in local sourcing could impact airfreight volumes
https://www.freightnews.co.za/article/growth-local-sourcing-could-impact-airfreight-volumes
As CNY and slack season approach, the ocean price-cutting begins
https://theloadstar.com/as-cny-and-slack-season-approach-the-ocean-price-cutting-begins
Sources & References
Seatrade Maritime / Loadstar / Freight News / GoComet / Maersk / Openpr / Transnet / WeFreight / MSC / AfricaPorts / Container Statistics / Flexport / SACO / Hellenic Shipping / Worldcargonews