Durban Gateway Terminal Crisis Deepens as Freight Forwarders Call for Urgent Intervention
South Africa’s freight industry has raised concerns over worsening operational problems at Durban Gateway Terminal (DGT), warning that congestion, equipment shortages and system disruptions are restricting cargo movement through the Port of Durban.
The South African Association of Freight Forwarders (SAAFF) has described the situation as an operational crisis and escalated the matter to the Presidency, saying the disruption is affecting freight forwarders, cargo owners, transporters and other supply-chain operators.
The problems emerged following DGT’s transition to the NAVIS N4 terminal operating system, introduced as part of the terminal’s transition to private-sector operator International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI).
However, SAAFF says the challenges extend beyond the IT transition to include equipment availability, yard congestion, booking capacity and difficulties evacuating containers.
The disruption has resulted in containers remaining in the terminal for longer periods, putting pressure on yard capacity and creating knock-on effects across road and rail logistics.
Industry data showed vessels calling at DGT experienced average anchorage times of about 80 hours in July, while average berthing time reached approximately 106 hours.
SAAFF has called for faster container evacuation, improved equipment availability, better stack management and stronger coordination between terminal, road and rail operations.
The association has also raised concerns about storage, demurrage and delay costs, arguing that businesses should not automatically bear costs resulting from operational problems beyond their control.
The Presidency has sent a delegation to the Port of Durban to engage with stakeholders and support efforts to resolve the disruption.
DGT has introduced recovery measures, including a 24/7 Hypercare support structure, controlled release of appointment slots and prioritisation of urgent cargo movements.
For South Africa, restoring efficient operations at DGT is critical. Durban is the country’s largest container gateway, and prolonged disruption could increase logistics costs, delay imports and exports and undermine supply-chain reliability.
The freight industry is now calling for coordinated action across terminal operations, road freight, rail and landside logistics to restore cargo fluidity and confidence in the port.
