Challenges at South Africa’s Container Ports

In the latest 2023 release of The Container Port Performance Index, global container ports were evaluated based on vessel turnaround times. The findings highlighted a stark reality for South Africa’s ports, which performed significantly below the global average.

Cape Town Port ranked at the very bottom, 405th out of 405 ports globally. Similarly, Durban Port was close behind at 404th, with Port Elizabeth marginally better at 391st out of 405.

While criticism often falls on Transnet, the state-owned enterprise managing these ports, external factors also play a critical role. For instance, in 2023, Cape Town Port was non-operational for 1,750 hours due to strong winds, with February alone accounting for 279 hours. Such challenges, beyond the port’s control, contribute to the poor performance metrics observed.

Adding to the woes of South African sea freight, more General Rate Increases (GRI) are anticipated for cargo from and via the Far East, following bi-weekly adjustments since May 2024. For precise import rates, customers are advised to contact us for the most up-to-date rates.

In contrast with the container ports, South Africa’s aviation sector presents a different narrative. Johannesburg and Cape Town International Airports both secured spots in the World’s Top 100 Airports of 2023 by Skytrax. Cape Town ranked 47th globally, while Johannesburg followed closely at 75th, surpassing notable hubs like Abu Dhabi and New York JFK Airport.

This disparity underscores the varied challenges and successes across South Africa’s transport infrastructure, shaping the landscape for international trade and travel.

With a new cabinet announced and ministers vowing to work hard in their new portfolios, we hope that leadership will have a long, hard look at the situation at South African container ports and find solutions so that it can become one of the stars in the South African economic sky.