The average number of TEUs handled daily in our container terminals dropped from 11 295 TEUs the previous week to 10 326 TEUs. It is anticipated that a slightly higher average of around 11,381 TEUs (↑10%) will be handled over the next week. Unfavorable weather, empty berths, equipment failures, and shortages were the key features of port operations. In 2025, Durban put into service the first of more than 100 new cargo-handling equipment, including nine rubber-tyred gantry cranes for Pier 1 and 20 straddle carriers for Pier 2. While bad weather and ongoing equipment failures proved to be the primary operational restrictions in Durban, the Port of Cape Town lost almost 40 operating hours this week due to unfavorable weather conditions. Strong winds and significant amounts of rain affected operations at the Port of Richards Bay, while bad weather and empty berths mostly affected operations in our Eastern Cape Ports. Due to bad weather and traffic in Cape Town, CMA has advised that the APL Holland Coega call would not be held. Furthermore, earlier this week, load-shedding reappeared, which affected operations at the terminal at Maydon Wharf from Sunday, February 23, to Monday, February 24. Additionally, sporadic overhead power outages towards the end of the week caused a six-hour delay in rail operations on the route between Durban and Cato Ridge.
Key Notes:
- An average of ~10 326 TEUs was handled per day, with ~12 123 TEUs projected for next week.
- Rail cargo handled out of Durban was reported at 2 607 containers, down ↓13% from last week.
- SARS January trade stats – exports: ↓6,4% (m/m); imports ↑14,1%; trade deficit: R16,4 billion.
- Cross-border queue: unchanged; transit: ↑0,8 hrs; SA borders: 11,4 hrs (unchanged); SADC: 6,0 hrs (↑20%).
- IATA reports CTK up by ↑3,2% (y/y) after air cargo grew (↑3,1%) for the 18th straight month in January.
Port operations – General:
- In our container terminals, a decreased average of 10 326 TEUs was handled per day, down from 11 295 TEUs last week.
- For the coming week, a slightly increased average of ~11 381 TEUs (↑10%) is predicted to be handled.
- Port operations were mainly characterised by adverse weather, vacant berths, as well as equipment breakdowns and shortages.
- Durban commissioned the first batch of over 100 new cargo-handling machines in 2025, including 20 straddle carriers for Pier 2 and nine rubber-tyred gantry cranes for Pier 1.
- The Port of Cape Town conceded more than 40 operational hours this week to adverse weather, while the main operational constraints in Durban proved to be adverse weather and continuous equipment breakdowns.
- Inclement weather conditions and vacant berths mainly impacted operations at our Eastern Cape Ports, while strong winds and heavy rain impacted operations at the Port of Richards Bay.
- CMA has announced that the APL Holland Coega call will be omitted due to adverse weather conditions and congestion at Cape Town.
- Additionally, load-shedding returned earlier this week and impacted operations at the Maydon Wharf terminal between Sunday (23 February) and Monday (24 February).
- Furthermore, towards the end of the week, rail operations on the line between Durban and Cato Ridge were delayed for around six hours due to intermittent overhead power failures.
Read more:
Cargo Movement Report – Full Report
Cargo Movement Report – Summary Report