Welcome to the May edition of our Global Logistics Update. Based on valuable feedback, we have transitioned to a monthly format rather than weekly. This change allows us to deliver more comprehensive insights and meaningful trends; while keeping you informed on the developments that matter most. In this month’s update, we cover key shifts in global shipping, port updates, and emerging risks and opportunities shaping the logistics landscape.
South African Ports
outh 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. Major ports such as Durban, Cape Town and Coega not only support the country’s import and export economy but also facilitate trade flows across sub-Saharan Africa. Their geographic positioning on key east-west and north-south shipping routes enhances their significance in global supply chains. Ongoing investments and reforms by Transnet National Ports Authority aim to enhance their capacity and efficiency, ensuring they continue to meet the demands of international commerce. 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 7 days and Coega at 4 days on average.
South Africa’s major ports are undergoing significant developments aimed at enhancing efficiency and capacity. We summarise the latest news below:
Durban remains South Africa’s busiest port and is experiencing substantial infrastructure upgrades under Transnet’s R3.4 billion recovery plan. Over 100 new cargo-handling machines, including 20 straddle carriers for Pier 2 and nine rubber-tyred gantry cranes for Pier 1, are being introduced to address previous equipment shortages and operational delays. Landside delays have been experienced during the installation process.
Cape Town port has faced challenges due to strong winds and equipment limitations, leading to operational disruptions. In response, Transnet has implemented measures such as deploying additional cranes and operational teams to mitigate delays. Cape Town Container Terminal (CTCT) has also seen improvements, with truck turnaround times decreasing.
Gqeberha’s ports, including the Port Elizabeth Container Terminal (PECT) and the Ngqura Container Terminal (NCT), are currently operating smoothly with minimal delays. Both terminals have reported no significant waiting times, even amid windy conditions. Looking ahead, the Port Elizabeth Container Terminal is scheduled to receive 12 new straddle carriers in 2026 as part of Transnet’s broader equipment upgrade strategy.
South Africa’s citrus export season gets under way
The southern African citrus industry is expected to export a total of 171.1 million cartons of 15-kilogram citrus in the 2025 season.
https://www.freightnews.co.za/article/south-africas-citrus-export-season-gets-under-way
Global Ports
Global ports are foundational to international trade and supply chains. Over 80% of global trade by volume is carried by sea, and ports act as the critical interface between land and sea transport. They enable the import and export of raw materials, industrial components, and especially consumer goods—everything from electronics and furniture to clothing and food.
To handle increasing trade volumes, ports are investing in infrastructure:
- Capacity Expansion: Major ports are expanding their facilities and deepening harbours to accommodate larger vessels, aiming to reduce per-unit shipping costs for bulk consumer goods.
- Equipment Modernization: Upgrades include the acquisition of new cargo-handling equipment and the implementation of advanced terminal operating systems to streamline operations.
Environmental concerns are also driving changes in shipping practices:
- Alternative Fuels: Shipping companies are investing in cleaner fuels like LNG, methanol, and green ammonia to reduce carbon emissions.
- Port Electrification: Ports are adopting electric cranes and shore power systems to minimize environmental impact during cargo handling operations.
Ports worldwide are adopting advanced technologies to enhance efficiency:
- Smart Ports: Integration of AI, IoT, and blockchain technologies is transforming traditional ports into smart ports, enabling real-time tracking, predictive maintenance, and improved cargo handling. Initiatives like chainPORT, involving ports such as Hamburg, Los Angeles, and Singapore, exemplify this shift.
Global port congestion is a complex issue and involves several factors such as – capacity constraints, operational inefficiencies, or external disruptions. This results in long queues of vessels waiting at anchor, delayed cargo processing, and bottlenecks in supply chains. We therefore only review basic routing, infrastructure demands and berthing delays.
PORT UPDATES:
Ports not mentioned under each region, experience minor berthing delays of 2 days or less.
AFRICA & INDIAN OCEAN ISLANDS
Kenya/Tanzania– Berthing delays of 4-6 days experienced at main ports. Mombasa is currently experiencing major delays.
Mauritius– Berthing delays of 3 days experienced at Port Louis.
Mozambique – MSC service routing has changed as published. Vessel rotation is now Durban-Coega-Maputo with a transit time of approx. 7 days.
NORTH AMERICA
Canada
Toronto– Berthing delays of 9 days experienced at this port.
Montreal- Berthing delays of 3 days experienced at this port.
Vancouver– Berthing delays of 1 day experienced at this port.
For all Canada routings, both imports and exports- ICS2 filing is required
USA
New York/New Jersey – Berthing delays minimal at 1 day. New cranes at APMT are scheduled to be commissioned in the next 2 weeks. APMT New York is currently facing high demand for gate appointments and may be unable to accommodate all requests
Norfolk/Savannah/Houston – Berthing delays of 2-4 days experienced at main ports.
* The new carrier alliances and changes to schedules and planned services is seeing a result of blank sailings and high levels of congestion and delays – globally.
LATIN AMERICA
Brazil/Argentina/Mexico – Berthing delays of 2-4 days on average experienced at main ports.
NORTH WEST CONTINENT, UNITED KINGDOM, MEDITERRANEAN
Belgium/France/Germany/Italy/Spain – Berthing delays of 3-5 days experienced at main ports
Turkey – Berthing delays of 9 days experienced at Izmir port
*We are seeing delayed transshipments in hubs of Las Palmas and Algeciras 1-2 weeks.
UK – Berthing delays of 3 days experienced at London Gateway Port. London Gateway services have been impacted by the erratic vessel rotations and unscheduled transshipments as per the carriers. These changes may result in an extended transit time.
Reports of high levels of congestion in the European ports, including the UK. Vessel delays, changes in vessel 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 increased volumes in Colombo.
APAC (Including Oceania)
Qingdao/Xiamen– Berthing delays of 3 days experienced at main ports
Singapore – Minor berthing delays. Bunching of vessels is being experienced and container transhipments have a 1-2 week delay
Asia-USEC shippers to lose 42% capacity in a surge of blanked sailings
The eastbound transpacific trades are set to see a surge of blanked sailings over the next months, as carriers adjust capacity to meet the wild fluctuations in demand since the introduction of President Trump’s tariff “policy”.
https://theloadstar.com/asia-usec-shippers-to-lose-42-capacity-in-a-surge-of-blanked-sailings
Carriers warn of delays as congestion increases at North Europe’s ports
The Danish carrier warned its customers of “increasing congestion levels and operational disruptions,” highlighting Antwerp-Bruges and Bremerhaven as particular choke points.
https://theloadstar.com/carriers-warn-of-delays-as-congestion-increases-at-north-europes-ports
The Evolution of International Shipping: How Technology is Changing the Industry
In recent years, however, technological advancements have sparked a revolution in international shipping, transforming how goods are transported, monitored, and managed.
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.
South Africa’s Merchant Shipping Bill a threat to supply chains, claim
https://theloadstar.com/south-africas-merchant-shipping-bill-a-threat-to-supply-chains-claim
USTR fees will lead to ‘complete destabilisation’ of container shipping alliances
Softening freight rates point to downturn in NVOCC sector
https://www.freightnews.co.za/article/softening-freight-rates-point-downturn-nvocc-sector
SA proposes new tariffs on renewable energy components
https://www.freightnews.co.za/article/sa-proposes-new-tariffs-renewable-energy-components
Shipping: When the unthinkable happens
https://www.hellenicshippingnews.com/shipping-when-the-unthinkable-happens/
Carriers face capacity planning nightmare
https://www.freightnews.co.za/article/carriers-face-capacity-planning-nightmare
New Alliances Begin to Impact Containership Schedule Reliability
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 / Nan news / Freight Waves / Xeneta.