An average of 11,722 TEUs were handled daily at our container terminals, up from 11,783 TEUs the week before. It is anticipated that a higher average of around 12,494 TEUs (↑7%) will be handled over the next week. System issues, empty berths, and ongoing equipment shortages and malfunctions were the hallmarks of port operations. While severe weather and frequent equipment failures proved to be the primary operational restrictions in Durban, dense fog and system issues guaranteed operating disruptions at the Port of Cape Town. Additionally, notable advancements in equipment upgrades, such as the statewide installation of 45 RTGs and new STS cranes for Pier 1 and DCT, indicate a welcome increase in port capacity and operational capability. Proactive routing changes are necessary since the complete closure of the N3 near Pietermaritzburg from May 9–11, 2025, to demolish the Ashburton bridge is anticipated to cause major traffic disruptions. While unfavorable weather proved to be the primary operating constraint at the Port of Richards Bay, system issues and empty berths mostly affected operations at our Eastern Cape ports.
Some highlights discussed this week include the following:
- Encouraging progress on port equipment upgrades signals a turning point:
- New RTGs and STS cranes are being rolled out nationally; however, operational challenges remain, as Durban and Cape Town face continued weather and system-related delays.
- Rail volumes out of Durban dropped 32%, and the upcoming N3 closure may add further pressure.
- Global trade lanes are shifting as US tariffs trigger capacity cuts and falling rates.
- Around 8,6% of China-US capacity has been withdrawn, with bookings down up to 30% and surplus tonnage redeployed to Europe.
- These developments reinforce the urgency of building a flexible, resilient logistics system in South Africa.
- IATA Air Cargo- March:
- Global air cargo demand rose by 4,4% (y/y) in March, reversing February’s dip.
- African airlines saw a -13,4% (y/y) drop, with Africa–Asia volumes down 40%.
- Africa’s load factor fell to 37,1%, despite a sharp capacity increase.
Key Notes:
- An average of ~11 722 TEUs was handled per day, with ~12 494 TEUs projected for next week.
- Rail cargo handled out of Durban was reported at 1 922 containers, down by ↓32% from last week.
- Cross-border queue: ↓0,2 hrs; transit: ↓0,2 hrs; SA borders: 8,5 hrs (↓32%); SADC: 4,7 hrs (no change).
- Despite US capacity pulled, global schedule reliability improved by ↑3% (m/m) to reach 57,5% in March.
- Global air cargo demand rebounded in March, rising by ↑4,4% (y/y) with most regions recording gains.
Port operations – General:
- At our container terminals, an average of 11 722 TEUs was handled per day, representing an increase from 11 783 TEUs the previous week.
- For the coming week, an increased average of ~12 494 TEUs (↑7%) is predicted to be handled.
- Port Operations were characterised by system challenges, vacant berths, as well as continuous equipment breakdowns and shortages.
- Dense fog and system challenges ensured operational disruptions at the Port of Cape Town, while the main operational constraints in Durban proved to be inclement weather and continuous equipment breakdowns.
- Furthermore, significant progress in equipment upgrades—most notably the nationwide rollout of 45 RTGs and new STS cranes for DCT and Pier 1—signals a welcome boost in port capacity and operational confidence.
- A full closure of the N3 near Pietermaritzburg from 9–11 May 2025 to demolish the Ashburton bridge is expected to cause significant traffic disruption and warrants proactive routing adjustments.
- System challenges and vacant berths mainly impacted operations at our Eastern Cape Ports, while adverse weather conditions proved to be the main operational constraint at the Port of Richards Bay.
- The latest reports from Maersk suggest that the Santa Cruz will do a split call in Cape Town, while the ONE Responsibility/251N will call PECT for full discharge due to expected delays at NCT due to bad weather.
- The latest reports from TFR suggest that a container train derailed on the line near Dassenhoek and Cato Ridge on Saturday morning.
- Lastly, Maersk announced the adjusted Terminal Handling Charges (THC) rates per container, to and from Mozambique, taking effect from 1 June 2025.
Read more:
Cargo Movement Report – Full Report
Cargo Movement Report – Summary Report