Welcome to the July edition of our Global Logistics Update. As we move into the second half of 2025, the global logistics landscape continues to evolve in response to shifting trade dynamics and regional disruptions. The month of June brought several key developments that shaped shipping trends—ranging from rising volumes, general rate increase, and persistent congestion in parts of Asia, to inland delays in North America and weather-related disruptions in Southern Africa. Early indicators suggest there is much more to come in July and staying informed, will be critical for businesses navigating the months ahead.
South African Ports
South Africa’s main ports — Durban, Cape Town, and Ngqura (Coega) — play a vital role in connecting the country and the broader Southern African region to international markets. These three ports form a strategic triangular backbone for South Africa’s supply chain—Durban as the high-volume gateway, Cape Town as a critical global transit hub, and Coega/Ngqura easing pressure and fostering economic development. While each port faces its own challenges, ranging from weather to equipment and landside connectivity, recent improvements signal positive momentum heading into the second half of 2025. We expand below on the most recent field challenges at these key 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 4 days, Cape Town at 3 days and Coega at 1 day on average.
South Africa agrees $1.5 billion World Bank loan to upgrade infrastructure
JOHANNESBURG, June 23 (Reuters) – South Africa has signed a $1.5 billion loan agreement with the World Bank, aiming to overhaul its transport and energy infrastructure and reignite economic growth, the National Treasury said on Monday.
Views differ about improved port performance
South Africa’s state-owned terminals operator has said throughput data for May shows that targets were exceeded for the arrival, berthing and departure of vessels.
https://www.freightnews.co.za/article/views-differ-about-improved-port-performance
Transnet concludes wage agreement with recognised labour unions
Transnet says the finalisation of the three-year wage agreement provides labour stability and will enable the company to focus on its immediate strategic priorities of improving operational and financial performance, while positioning the organisation for future growth, thereby ensuring job security and economic growth.
SA ports switch gear, record improved performance figures
The latest container movement data shows that South Africa’s ports may be shifting from the usual polecats of the maritime trade to punching well above their weight
https://www.freightnews.co.za/article/sa-ports-switch-gear-record-improved-performance-figures
Global Ports
Global ports serve as critical lifelines of international trade, handling over 80% of world merchandise by volume. Their performance directly influences supply chain reliability, shipping costs, and delivery timelines. However, port congestion — caused by factors such as high cargo volumes, labour shortages, adverse weather, or infrastructure limitations — can lead to significant delays and added costs across entire logistics network. We review some of these global factors below.
PORT UPDATES:
Ports not mentioned under each region, experience minor berthing delays of 2 days or less.
AFRICA & INDIAN OCEAN ISLANDS
Terminal performance has improved in SA, vessel scheduling however remains impacted by performance delays in Europe and other regions therefore affecting schedules on the African Trade.
Angola/Ivory Coast– Berthing delays of 3-5 days experienced at main ports
Ghana– Walvis Bay port – is experiencing berthing delays due to bunching of vessels
Nigeria– Apapa port – severely congested on landside operations with equipment challenges resulting in overall port delays
Kenya– Berthing delays of 5-6 days at Mombasa port, adverse weather has created major operational delays
Mauritius– Berthing delays of 4 days experienced at Port Louis. Berthing delays are due to operating system upgrades
Tanzania– Berthing delays of 2 days experienced at Dar es Salaam. Adani terminal currently undergoing maintenance
NORTH AMERICA
Canada
Canada / SA services are currently routing over European hubs – extended lead times may be experienced due to ongoing congestion in European ports.
Toronto– Berthing delays of 4 days experienced at this port.
Montreal- Berthing delays of 2 days experienced at this port.
Vancouver- Berthing delays of 2 days experienced at this port. High volumes still ongoing
USA
Vessel rotation amendments, delays and schedule adjustments continue on this service. Advance bookings on the USA services are recommended due to capacity constraints.
New York/New Jersey- Berthing delays of 3 days experienced at this port.
Charleston- Berthing delays of 6 days experienced at this port.
Los Angeles/Long Beach- Berthing delays of 2 days experienced at these ports
LATIN AMERICA
Brazil/Argentina/Mexico – Berthing delays of 3-10 days experienced at main ports.
*Congestion and vessel delays persist in Buenos Aires.
*Direct service has been launched from Santos to Port Elizabeth on a fortnightly basis allowing flexibility into both Durban and PE
NORTH WEST CONTINENT, UNITED KINGDOM, MEDITERRANEAN
Belgium/Spain/Germany – Berthing delays of 3 days experienced at main ports
Italy- Berthing delays of 8 days experienced at Genova and 6 days at La Spezia port.
*All cargo moving via European ports is impacted by extended transit and increased lead times
UK – Berthing delays of 2 days experienced at London Gateway Port. Southampton is experiencing a 4-day berthing delay
*European ports, including those in Italy, are experiencing significant congestion and delays. Several factors contribute to these issues, including an increased demand for goods, particularly from Asia, and various terminal disruptions
Shipping Crisis in European Ports in Summer 2025: Navigate Delays and Optimize Logistics Costs
Northern Europe port congestion to last until at least August
Northern Europe’s container ports are still experiencing significant congestion, with carriers adjusting services to avoid the worst-affected locations. Rotterdam, Antwerp and Hamburg continue to experience delays, leading shipping lines including Maersk, CMA CGM and MSC to either revise schedules, extend transit times and reroute services. But shippers can expect delays until the end of the peak season at the very earliest.
https://www.lloydslist.com/LL1153750/Northern-Europe-port-congestion-to-last-until-at-least-August
INDIAN SUB-CONTINENT & MIDDLE EAST
India/UAE/Sri Lanka – Minor berthing delays of 2 days experienced at main ports with Colombo increasing in transhipment volume, expected delays up to 2 weeks.
Israel – Berthing delays of 2 days experienced at Ashdod port and 29 days at Haifa. Both Ashdod and Haifa ports continue to operate, although at a reduced pace. Delays in vessel schedules are expected due to increased security measures.
APAC (Including Oceania)
Hong Kong/Qingdao/Shanghai/Nansha/Shekou– Berthing delays of 2-3 days experienced at main ports.
*Freight rates from main carriers were on the increase throughout June and said to remain unstable now in July due to the high demand from China and South-East into S.A.
Singapore– Berthing delays of 2 days experienced. Due to high volumes from South-East Asia, container layovers are being experienced between 1-2 weeks. While carriers publish direct sailings, these are not currently guaranteed with routings subject to change last minute.
Sea robberies in Singapore Strait quadruple this year
https://www.seatrade-maritime.com/security/sea-robberies-in-singapore-strait-quadruple-this-year
*Demand is shifting quickly, and the market is recalibrating week by week, shippers are accelerating bookings to stay ahead of volatility, but capacity remains tight and unpredictable.
Market squalls threaten to throw container shipping off course
For now, despite all the disruption and the criticism of container shipping lines for elevated freight rates and profitability, there are signs of the system working, however, container shipping is likely to keep sailing on stormy seas for some time.
https://www.ft.com/content/cc1b3b5b-2aa0-42cf-b17e-2146e995234b
Shipping alliances and MSC dominate over 80% of container market
The global container shipping industry is becoming increasingly concentrated, with the latest data showing that shipping alliances, together with Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), now control more than 80% of the world’s total container capacity.
https://media.shipco.com/early-peak-season-push-drives-trans-pacific-rates-higher/
Global ocean market – Market momentum and mid-summer risks
Maersk reports- the average U.S. effective tariff dropped to ~21% (down from 54%), adding further uncertainty ahead of a July 9 deadline on new trade agreements.
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.
Early Peak Season Push Drives Trans-Pacific Rates Higher
https://media.shipco.com/early-peak-season-push-drives-trans-pacific-rates-higher/
Resilience required for air sector disruption – executive
https://www.freightnews.co.za/article/resilience-required-air-sector-disruption-executive
India’s push for zero tariff on labour-intensive exports is combination of economic strategy and domestic politics
Second round of SA-US trade talks: what lies ahead in Luanda?
https://www.freightnews.co.za/article/second-round-sa-us-trade-talks-what-lies-ahead-luanda
Port of Ngqura to welcome first ultra large container vessel
https://www.freightnews.co.za/article/port-ngqura-welcome-first-ultra-large-container-vessel
Sharp increase in box losses at sea
https://www.freightnews.co.za/article/sharp-increase-box-losses-sea
Gulf shipping costs drop as Israel-Iran ceasefire holds
India’s port ban on Pakistani cargo drives up freight costs, causes shipping delays: Report.
Sources & References
Seatrade Maritime / Loadstar / Freight News / GoComet / Maersk / Openpr / Transnet / WeFreight / MSC / AfricaPorts / Container Statistics+News / Flexport / SACO / Hellenic Shipping / Worldcargonews/ Maritime Executive / GCaptain/ Linerlytica / Sea Intelligence / Splash247 / Freight Waves / Xeneta / JOC / Financial Times.