We processed an average of 6,079 TEUs per day at our container terminals, down from 6,523 TEUs the week before. It is anticipated that a higher average of ~6,866 TEUs (↑13%) will be handled over the next week. Regarding port operations, weather-related delays were still being reported by Cape Town’s different container handling facilities, while the Eastern Cape’s container terminals reported similar delays. However, because there were fewer vessel calls, the effect on PECT and CT MPT was much smaller. Similarly, Durban’s Pier 1 had a very quiet week, with fewer vessels stopping at the terminal. This was partly due to the Chinese New Year and delays at other terminals. To start the process of choosing a PSP for the Richards Bay Dry Bulk Terminal, Transnet has released an RFQ. Finally, 11 Train Operating Companies have been conditionally granted train slots totalling 24 million tons annually by TRIM; the first operator is anticipated to begin operations on April 1, 2027.
Key Notes:
- An average of 6,079 TEUs were handled per day, with 6,866 TEUs projected for next week.
- Rail cargo handled out of Durban was reported at 3,214 containers, up/down by ↑9% from last week.
- Cross-border queue: no change; transit: ↑1,1 hrs; SA borders: ~9,2 hrs (↑3%); SADC: ~5,6 hrs (↑26%).
- Global schedule reliability declined (↓0,4%, m/m) to 62,4%, but is still ↑11% (y/y). Ave. late: 5,17 days.
- Freight rates are down for a 6th straight week (↓0,7%), as blankings increase with overcapacity present.
- After 5 weeks of growth, global air cargo volumes declined by ↓7% (w/w) in the week ending 15 Feb.
Port operations – General:
- At our container terminals, an average of 6,079 TEUs was handled daily, a decrease from 6,523 TEUs the previous week.
- For the coming week, an increased average of ~6,866 TEUs (↑13%) is predicted to be handled.
- Concerning port operations, the various container handling terminals in Cape Town continued to report weather delays, with the container terminals in the Eastern Cape reporting similar delays.
- However, the impact on PECT and CT MPT was significantly lower due to fewer vessel calls. Similarly, Pier 1 in Durban reported a very slow week, with a lull in vessels calling at the terminal, partially attributed to delays at other terminals and the Chinese New Year.
- Transnet has issued an RFQ to initiate the selection of a PSP for the Richards Bay Dry Bulk Terminal.
- Lastly, TRIM has conditionally awarded train slots covering 24 million tons per annum to 11 Train Operating Companies, with the first operator expected to start operations on 1 April 2027.
Read more:
Cargo Movement Report – Full Report
Cargo Movement Report – Summary Report