Welcome to the last February edition of the Global Logistics Update, your essential guide to staying ahead in the dynamic world of international trade. From port congestion updates and emerging market trends to regulatory changes and industry insights, we will provide you with information needed to navigate the complexities of global logistics and optimize your company supply chain.
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 6 days, Cape Town at 5 days and Coega at 2 days on average.
South African ports, particularly the major ones like Durban and Cape Town, are currently grappling with a multitude of challenges that are impacting their efficiency and overall performance. Ports suffer from outdated and poorly maintained equipment, inadequate infrastructure and inefficient operations which contribute to significant port congestion. The South African government and port authorities are taking steps to address these issues, including investing into infrastructure upgrades.
CT weather update: TPT aims to clear backlog by early March
Water-side delays at the Port of Cape Town, after five days of windbound disruption, could take two weeks to clear – “weather permitting.” This was revealed by a private-sector organisation that had received correspondence to that effect from Transnet Port Terminals (TPT).
https://www.freightnews.co.za/article/ct-weather-update-tpt-aims-clear-backlog-early-march
‘Spurious’ legal battle over Durban port threatens SA economy
A ‘spurious’ legal challenge by losing bidder Maersk for control of the Durban container port is holding up much-needed improvements at SA’s busiest port, says winning bidder International Container Terminal Services Inc (ICTSI).
Global Ports
Port Updates:
Ports play an important role in maintaining the effectiveness of maritime logistics. When ports encounter congestion, strikes or natural disasters, the maritime container network might be significantly affected. Global port congestion is a complex issue, and we therefore only review basic routing, infrastructure demands and vessel berthing delays.
Ports not mentioned under each region, experience minor berthing delays of less than 2 days.
AFRICA & INDIAN OCEAN ISLANDS
Angola/Kenya/Nigeria– Berthing delays of 4-5 days experienced at main ports
Tanzania – Berthing delays of 6 days experienced at Dar es Salaam port.
Mozambique – Berthing delays of 4 days experienced at Maputo port
Mauritius – Berthing delays of 2 days experienced at Port Louis
Nigeria is currently experiencing high levels of congestion at Apapa port. Please expect delays
NORTH AMERICA
Canada
Montreal/Toronto/Vancouver – Berthing delays of 3-8 days experienced at main ports.
*Vessel productivity is strong but weather restrictions are still in full effect, causing operational congestion.
USA
Norfolk/Charleston/Houston/Oakland – Berthing delays of 3-5 days experienced at main ports
Savannah – Berthing delays of 9 days experienced due to fog and river closures impacting vessel operations. Port expects a 4 week backlog.
*New cranes are being assembled at New York
*Vessel schedules continue seeing changes at last minute without prior notice by carriers.
LATIN AMERICA
Argentina/Brazil/Mexico – Berthing delays of 5 days on average experienced at main ports.
*Strong winds and heavy swell has decreased productivity in the last week.
NORTH WEST CONTINENT, UNITED KINGDOM, MEDITERRANEAN
Belgium/France/ Netherlands – Berthing delays of 7 days experienced at main ports
Germany/Italy/Turkey – Berthing delays of 3-5 days experienced at main ports
UK – Berthing delays of 7 days experienced at London Gateway Port. Currently experiencing backlog
*Due to recent labour strikes in the Netherlands, Port of Rotterdam is currently operating at less than 50% regular activity.
*Vessel Schedule delays continue to impact the region including blank sailings.
INDIAN SUB-CONTINENT & MIDDLE EAST
India/UAE/Sri Lanka – Berthing delays of 2 days experienced at main ports
*FCL containers transhipping in Columbo have expected delays of 1-2 weeks.
*High increase of volume shipped through Jebel Ali with minimal congestion experienced.
ASIA PACIFIC (Including Oceania)
Korea/Xiamen – Berthing delays of 3 days experienced at main ports
Ningbo – experiencing vessel bunching at certain terminals
*FCL containers transhipping in Tanjung Pelepas have expected delays of 1-2 weeks.
Singapore – Berthing delay of 2 days with an expected 3 week transshipment delay due to space constraints, blank sailings.
Container rates fall 10% in a week
Drewry’s World Container Index (WCI) published on Thursday was down 10% at $2,795 per feu compared to the previous Thursday, while the Shanghai Containerized Freight Index (SCFI) published on Friday reported a 9.3% drop at 1,595.08 points down 163.74 points from a week earlier.
https://www.seatrade-maritime.com/containers/container-rates-fall-10-in-a-week
Port of Rotterdam calls for regulatory support as 2024 volumes slip
The Port of Rotterdam announced a 0.7% in overall volumes in 2024 and has called on the European Commission and Dutch Government to remove barriers to and support the competitiveness of industry in Europe and the Netherlands.
Seaspan orders 27 dual-fuel container …
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.
Agoa – is Donald Trump going to turn his back on SA?
https://www.freightnews.co.za/article/agoa-donald-trump-going-turn-his-back-sa
Support grows for the GHG levy, as more countries see it as a viable measure to meet climate and equity goals of the IMO
Transnet boosts resources at Cape Town Container Terminal
https://www.freightnews.co.za/article/transnet-boosts-resources-cape-town-container-terminal
Price war as carriers compete for cargo driving down container spot rates
https://theloadstar.com/price-war-as-carriers-compete-for-cargo-driving-down-container-spot-rates
Private sector the only remedy to right-size SA’s rail network – Minerals Council
MSC launching new services from Dalian
https://www.seatrade-maritime.com/containers/msc-launching-new-services-from-dalian
Sources & References
Seatrade Maritime / Loadstar / Freight News / GoComet / Maersk / Openpr / Transnet / WeFreight / MSC / AfricaPorts / Container Statistics / Flexport / SACO / Hellenic Shipping / Worldcargonews/ Maritime Executive / GCaptain/ Linerlytica