The sea freight industry, both in South Africa and globally, is undergoing a season of significant change, says Natasha Lawrence- Ramiah, general manager at SACO Shipping South Africa. Market dynamics, geopolitical shifts, technological advancements and evolving customer expectations continue to reshape how we operate, she told Freight News. As we move into a new cycle of growth and recalibration, it is essential not only to recognise the developments shaping our industry, but also to respond to them responsibly, sustainably and with our clients at the centre of every decision we make. According to Lawrence- Ramiah, the sea freight landscape also remains fluid. Carriers are increasingly engaging in aggressive pricing activity, contributing to rate softening across multiple trade lanes. While this presents short-term savings for shippers, it also introduces volatility and uncertainty, particularly for markets like South Africa. She said one of the most pressing challenges facing the sector was the rise of unsustainable pricing practices. This distorts the market and ultimately undermines long-term service reliability, she explained. At the same time, carrier-driven volatility continues to intensify, with fluctuating blank sailings, shifting port rotations and inconsistent schedules creating planning difficulties for importers and exporters alike. Added to this are rising client expectations. Customers today demand far greater transparency, proactive communication and consistent service delivery than ever before, she said. Meeting those expectations in such a turbulent environment is becoming increasingly complex for logistics partners. She said SACO Shippings role as a neutral and trusted logistics partner would become even more critical as volatility persisted. Neutrality is not just a positioning its a strategic promise. It ensures our clients can rely on us for unbiased solutions, competitive pricing based on real market dynamics, and transparent decision making that protects their long-term interests. According to Lawrence- Ramiah, the company is equally clear on what it will not do compromise on service quality or jeopardise the trust clients place in it. In a sector where rate urbulence is becoming increasingly common, stability is a key differentiator, she said. Asked about sustainability, she said at SACO Shipping, this extended well beyond environmental responsibility. It includes maintaining the sustainability of service levels, operational standards and long-term client relationships. We take pride in delivering consistent, high-quality customer service supported by market knowledge through our weekly trade summary, ongoing innovation and a culture of responsiveness. 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.
