Our container terminals handled an average of 11,851 TEUs per day, up from 10,780 TEUs the week before. It is anticipated that a lower average of around 11,174 TEUs (approximately 6%) will be handled over the next week. The main factors affecting port operations were bad weather, empty berths, and equipment problems and shortages. Due to bad weather, system problems, equipment failures, and shortages, the Port of Cape Town had to give up more than 50 operational hours this week, which hindered Durban’s ability to operate at its best. Our Eastern Cape Ports experienced operational delays due to vacant berths and bad weather, while Richards Bay’s main operational obstacles were problems with marine equipment and bad weather. According to TFR’s most recent reports, trains on the rail network resumed operations last week, marking the end of the ConCor line’s yearly suspension. Although there were no noteworthy accidents on the ConCor this week, the route between City Deep and Mafikeng did not operate at its best due to a few locomotive breakdowns. East-West Suez transits are still suspended because of Red Sea security concerns, according to the most recent reports from Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd. Additionally, starting on January 1, 2026, and continuing until further notice, Maersk will update the Origin and Destination Documentation Fees and Import and Export Service rates for shipments to and from South Africa and its neighboring countries
Key Notes:
- An average of ~11 851 TEUs was handled per day, with ~11 174 TEUs projected for next week.
- TNPA Oct: TEUs are up by ↑11% (m/m) and by ↑4% (y/y). Total bulk: ↑21% (m/m), but ↓2% (y/y).
- Rail cargo handled out of Durban was reported at 2 824 containers, up by ↑53% from last week.
- Cross-border queue: ↑0,2 hrs; transit: ↑0,3 hrs; SA borders: ~12,0 hrs (↓6%); SADC: ~6,6 hrs (↑16%).
Port operations – General:
- At our container terminals, an average of 11 851 TEUs was handled daily, an increase from 10 780 TEUs the previous week.
- For the coming week, a decreased average of ~11 174 TEUs (↓6%) is predicted to be handled.
- Port operations were mainly impacted by inclement weather, vacant berths, as well as equipment challenges and shortages.
- More than 50 operational hours were conceded at the Port of Cape Town this week due to adverse weather, as well as system issues, equipment breakdowns and shortages, which prevented optimal performance in Durban.
- Vacant berths and adverse weather ensured operational delays at our Eastern Cape Ports, while marine equipment challenges and poor weather proved to be the primary operational constraints in Richards Bay.
- The latest reports from TFR suggest that the annual shutdown of the ConCor line concluded last week, with trains resuming operations on the rail network.
- No significant incidents were reported on the ConCor this week; however, some locomotive failures prevented optimal rail performance on the line between City Deep and Mafikeng.
- The latest reports from Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd confirm that East-West Suez transits remain suspended due to Red Sea security concerns.
- Additionally, Maersk will revise Origin and Destination Documentation Fees, as well as Import and Export Service charges for shipments to/from South Africa and neighbouring countries, with effect from 1 January 2026 until further notice.
Read more:
Cargo Movement Report – Full Report
Cargo Movement Report – Summary Report