There is growing evidence that global shipping lines are adjusting how and where they call at South African ports in response to congestion, inefficiencies and unpredictable turnaround times. It is not a mass pull-out, nor a crisis of abandonment, but it is a clear sign that carriers are recalibrating their exposure to South African ports. And in a shipping world where time is money, even subtle changes in route rotation are strategically significant. According to Peter Besnard, CEO of the SA Association of Ship Operators and Agents, the introduction of congestion surcharges by several major carriers is a clear indication that shipping lines are absorbing higher costs when calling at South African ports. At the same time, the loss of refuelling and service calls is becoming increasingly visible. Some analysts note that due to persistent berthing delays it is now not viable for ships to call at Durban for refuelling or routine technical services meaning that even vessels not carrying cargo are choosing to bypass South African ports because the waiting time outweighs the operational benefit of stopping. There are some positive signs that Transnets recovery plan is working and that the improvements being made could make the countrys ports more attractive again, said Besnard. Transnets financial position has also shown meaningful improvement. In its 2024/25 financial year ending March 31, 2025, the company recorded a 7.8 increase in revenue, signalling a strengthening commercial base. Its net loss narrowed dramatically to R1.9 billion, a significant improvement from prior years, while earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation surged to R30.6bn, indicating far better operational efficiency. According to Transnets 2025 Integrated Report, the company managed to reduce net operating expenses while simultaneously ramping up capital expenditure to R24bn. This combination of tighter cost control and renewed investment suggests that the recovery plan is being executed with both financial discipline and forward-looking intent. The most striking recovery, however, has been at the ports. Since June 2025, Transnet Port Terminals TPT has consistently averaged over 90 000 TEUs per week, up from approximately 65 000 TEUs during the same period a year earlier. In July 2025, TPT handled 101 295 TEUs in a single week one of the strongest performances in years and close to historic highs. We can see that Transnets recovery plan is starting to deliver real improvements on the ground, particularly at some terminals, said Besnard. But the progress is uneven and still too slow for the scale of South Africas logistics crisis. Partnerships with the private sector are moving in the right direction, yet to make a meaningful macroeconomic difference, we need faster implementation, clearer timelines and consistent policy execution. Only then will South Africa be able to reposition itself as a leading maritime hub. LV
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The PRSAs 7.57 tariff hike has divided industry players, who warn that rising port costs need to be supported by better service delivery.
