An average of 12,124 TEUs were handled per day at our container terminals, which is a huge increase from the 9 813 TEUs handled the week before. It is anticipated that an additional average of around 12,494 TEUs (↑3%) will be handled over the next week. Unfavorable weather, empty berths, and ongoing equipment failures and shortages were the hallmarks of port operations. While persistent equipment failures, unfavorable weather, and network issues proved to be the primary operating impediments in Durban, equipment issues guaranteed operational disruptions at the Port of Cape Town. Unavailable maritime equipment caused operating delays at the Port of Richards Bay, while unfavorable weather, system issues, and empty berths primarily affected operations at our Eastern Cape ports. According to Maersk’s most recent reports, the Port of Durban will not be included in the Irenes Resolve for unknown reasons. Furthermore, the most recent TFR data indicate that sporadic cable theft events are still common in the Capital Park neighborhood, necessitating ongoing diesel haulage as a backup plan to carry merchandise along the line. In addition, UNTU has stated unequivocally that if Transnet does not provide a revised wage proposal, it would end further negotiations and give a 48-hour notice of industrial action. Finally, while TNPA begins a six-month restoration of Bayhead Road, potential upgrades to the access road leading to the Durban Container Terminal are scheduled to start in early June.
Some highlights discussed this week include the following:
- Severe Drop in TNPA Throughput for April (Monthly Volumes)
a. Container volumes fell by -27% (m/m), vehicle units -33%, and total bulk cargo -22% (m/m) according to TNPA’s April statistics.
b. This sharp contraction reflects systemic pressures exacerbated by public holidays and wage negotiations, reinforcing the urgent need for structural reform in port operations and corridor efficiency. - Global Container Demand Surge (CTS)
a. Global container throughput rose by +22% (m/m) in March, with Far East exports leading the rebound (+29%).
b. Sub-Saharan Africa also saw notable growth (+23% imports, +14% exports), though South Africa’s share of regional trade continues to shrink — a concerning sign of competitiveness erosion. - Operational Disruptions and Infrastructure Weaknesses in Durban and Cape Town
a. Despite a +24% weekly increase in container throughput (84 867 TEUs), operations were hindered by equipment failures, adverse weather, and systemic delays.
b. Rehabilitation of Bayhead Road is expected to start in June, but the risk of industrial action by UNTU and persistent rail disruptions (e.g., cable theft, diesel hauling) continues to threaten reliability.
Key Notes:
- An average of ~12 124 TEUs was handled per day, with ~12 494 TEUs projected for next week.
- Rail cargo handled out of Durban was reported at 2 884 containers, down by ↓4% from last week.
- Cross-border queue: ↑1,4 hrs; transit: ↑1,7 hrs; SA borders: 9,6 hrs (↑22%); SADC: 4,7 hrs (no change).
Port operations – General:
- At our container terminals, an average of 12 124 TEUs was handled daily, significantly increasing from 9 813 TEUs the previous week.
- For the coming week, an increased average of ~12 494 TEUs (↑3%) is predicted to be handled.
- Port Operations were characterised by adverse weather, vacant berths, as well as continuous equipment breakdowns and shortages.
- Equipment challenges ensured operational disruptions at the Port of Cape Town, while the main operational constraints in Durban proved to be constant equipment breakdowns, adverse weather, and network challenges.
- Unfavourable weather, system challenges, and vacant berths mainly impacted operations at our Eastern Cape Ports, while unavailable marine equipment resulted in operational delays at the Port of Richards Bay.
- The latest reports from Maersk stipulate that the Irenes Resolve will omit the Port of Durban due to undisclosed reasons.
- In addition, the latest reports from TFR suggest that intermittent cable theft incidents remain prominent in the Capital Park area, resulting in continuous diesel hauling as a contingency measure to move cargo on the line.
- UNTU has also made its stance clear that it will not negotiate any further and will issue a 48-hour notice of industrial action should a revised wage proposal not be received from Transnet.
- Lastly, prospective improvements to the access road leading to the Durban Container Terminal are set to begin in early June, as TNPA commences a six-month rehabilitation of Bayhead Road.
Read more:
Cargo Movement Report – Full Report
Cargo Movement Report – Summary Report