The average daily handling at our container terminals was 10 262 TEUs, down from 12 124 TEUs the week before. It is anticipated that a higher average of about 12 275 TEUs (↑20%) 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 restrictions in Durban, unfavorable weather conditions guaranteed operational setbacks at the Port of Cape Town. Operations at our Eastern Cape ports were mostly affected by unfavorable weather and empty berths, while the Port of Richards Bay also experienced operational delays as a result of bad weather. According to recent Maersk reports, traffic in Europe and unfavorable weather are causing the Mehuin and Santa Teresa to arrive in South Africa later than planned. According to the most recent TFR reports, a power plant problem close to Ladysmith caused delays on the ConCor line of up to eighteen hours between Tuesday and Wednesday. In addition, according to the most recent TNPA reports, the CCMA Commissioner released a thorough report on the UNTU-Transnet salary dispute on Tuesday night, May 20, for stakeholders to review and consider. Last but not least, MSC revealed this week that it will continue to operate its AMEX service between South Africa and the US, which is a vital anchor for direct maritime trade in the face of dwindling liner connectivity and growing international unpredictability. This action indicates a renewed trust in South Africa’s strategic relevance as a trading partner and provides much-needed certainty for local shippers and cargo owners.
Some highlights discussed this week include the following:
1. Budget signals renewed commitment to logistics reform
- Over R400bn allocated to transport and logistics, including R93bn for SANRAL, R53bn for provincial roads, and R66bn for PRASA.
- Minister Creecy confirms R51bn guarantee facility for Transnet to stabilise operations and support reform.
- Fiscal commitment and private sector participation are seen as critical to restoring freight corridors and improving logistics performance.
2. Urgent industry response to e-hailing ban at ORTIA cargo terminal
- SAAFF and ACOC have voiced urgent concern over the sudden e-hailing ban at ORTIA’s Cargo Terminal, citing a lack of consultation and the absence of current threat intelligence.
- The ban is viewed as disproportionate, harmful to small businesses, and disruptive to B2C logistics and broader trade facilitation efforts.
- Industry calls for the immediate reversal of the ban and a collaborative, evidence-based risk review to ensure fair access alongside targeted security improvements.
3. MSC’s renewal of AMEX service – a timely win for SA-US trade amid global volatility
- MSC’s decision to continue the AMEX service stabilises South Africa–US ocean trade links, countering a 21,5% drop in liner connectivity, the second worst globally, and supports access to a key high-value trade partner.
- With US tariffs affecting up to 1,3% of SA’s GDP and high-level bilateral talks underway, MSC’s move offers crucial trade reassurance, despite ongoing concerns like Cape Town’s omission from some rotations.
4. Delayed Trump tariffs see transpacific capacity rebound as rates are set to rise
- Transpacific capacity from Asia has surged to over 560 000 TEU/week as carriers restore services and add new ones.
- With US tariffs on EU goods delayed, focus has returned to Asian export lanes.
- Spot rates to the US are expected to rise to $6 000/FEU (West Coast) and $7 000/FEU (East Coast) by June.
Key Notes:
- An average of ~10 262 TEUs was handled per day, with ~12 275 TEUs projected for next week.
- Rail cargo handled out of Durban was reported at 2 415 containers, down by ↓24% from last week.
- Cross-border queue: ↓0,3 hrs; transit: ↓0,6 hrs; SA borders: 9,9 hrs (↑3%); SADC: 4,7 hrs (no change).
- MSC announced the continuation of its AMEX service connecting South Africa and the United States.
- Global spot rates increased by ↑1,9% (or $43) to $2 276 per /40’; charter rates jumped by ↑2,3%.
- Global air cargo tonnages rose sharply by ↑6% (w/w), as spot rates increased to $2,50/kg (↑2%).
Port operations – General:
- At our container terminals, an average of 10 262 TEUs was handled daily, decreasing from 12 124 TEUs the previous week.
- For the coming week, an increased average of ~12 275 TEUs (↑20%) is predicted to be handled.
- Port Operations were characterised by adverse weather, vacant berths, as well as continuous equipment breakdowns and shortages.
- Adverse weather conditions ensured operational disruptions at the Port of Cape Town, while the main operational constraints in Durban proved to be continuous equipment breakdowns, adverse weather, and network challenges.
- Unfavourable weather and vacant berths mainly impacted operations at our Eastern Cape Ports, while inclement weather also resulted in operational delays at the Port of Richards Bay.
- The latest reports from Maersk suggest that the Mehuin and Santa Teresa are running late into South Africa due to Congestion in Europe and bad weather en route.
- The latest reports from TFR indicate that a power station issue near Ladysmith ensured delays of up to 18 hours on the ConCor line between Tuesday and Wednesday.
- Furthermore, the latest reports from TNPA suggest that the CCMA Commissioner issued a detailed report on Tuesday evening (20 May), regarding the wage dispute between UNTU and Transnet, for all stakeholders to analyse and digest.
- Lastly, in some very encouraging news this week, MSC announced the continuation of its AMEX service connecting South Africa and the United States, providing a critical anchor for direct maritime trade amid declining liner connectivity and rising global uncertainty.
- This development brings much-needed clarity for local shippers and cargo owners and signals renewed confidence in South Africa’s strategic relevance as a trading partner.
Read more:
Cargo Movement Report – Full Report
Cargo Movement Report – Summary Report