CMA CGM has confirmed that it will continue to use alternative routes through the Cape of Good Hope for its Asia-Europe trade services to ensure the safety of seafarers and vessels. This decision follows recent developments in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, where Houthi rebels announced a ceasefire agreement on January 19, 2025, temporarily halting attacks on commercial vessels, except those that are Israeli-owned or -flagged. In a
Author: Constance Makungu
Oshoek Border Post Reopens to Freight Traffic Following Collision
South Africa’s main logistics border with Eswatini has officially reopened to road freight, despite conflicting reports circulating on social media. Cross-border trade facilitator Louise Wiggett confirmed that a limited number of trucks were allowed through the Oshoek Border Post on Monday night, January 27. By Tuesday, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) verified that operations had been fully restored following a severe collision on Sunday morning. The accident occurred when
South Africa Strengthens Marine Protection with New Pollution Law
President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed the Marine Pollution (Prevention of Pollution from Ships) Amendment Bill into law, introducing stricter measures to safeguard South Africa’s oceans from ship-related pollution. In a statement on Tuesday, the Presidency emphasized the legislation’s role in both national and global efforts to protect the marine environment while ensuring the sustainable use of ocean resources. With South Africa’s coastline spanning over 3,000 kilometers—from Namibia’s Atlantic shores to
Port of Maputo Begins $164 Million Expansion to Boost Capacity and Trade
Construction has commenced on the $164 million expansion of the Port of Maputo’s container terminal, a project set to double its annual capacity from 255,000 TEUs to 530,000 TEUs. DP World and the Maputo Port Development Company (MPDC) announced the launch of Phase 1 of the two-year project in a joint statement on Monday. The expansion, undertaken by Shafa Construções, EA, Limitada, will significantly enhance the port’s efficiency and competitiveness
Freight Rates at Risk of Collapse Amid Shipping Uncertainty
The recent agreement between Israel and Hamas to pause hostilities has raised hopes that container ships may soon return to the Red Sea. However, the situation remains complex, and a large-scale return of vessels is far from certain, warns Xeneta’s chief analyst, Peter Sand. While diversions around the Cape of Good Hope are costly and inefficient, the shipping industry has managed to stabilize operations. Carriers will be reluctant to revert
Global Container Ship Orders Reach Record High Amid Market Uncertainty
The global container ship order book reached a record high of 8.3 million TEUs by the end of 2024, surpassing the previous high of 7.8 million TEUs in 2023. According to the latest BIMCO update, 4.4 million TEUs were ordered in 2024—the second-highest annual figure on record—despite deliveries also hitting a new peak of 2.9 million TEUs. Niels Rasmussen, Chief Shipping Analyst at BIMCO, highlighted the dominance of large vessels
DP World and NSW Ports Invest A$400 Million to Expand Port Botany Rail Terminal
DP World and NSW Ports have announced a joint A$400 million investment to expand the rail terminal at Port Botany in Sydney, significantly increasing its annual rail capacity from 400,000 TEUs to 1 million TEUs. The expansion will include five new rail sidings designed to accommodate 600-meter-long regional trains. Construction is set to begin in June and will take two years to complete. Nicolaj Noes, Executive Vice President of DP
Maureva and AFRAA Partner to Advance Africa’s Aviation Industry
Maureva, a leading provider of airline software and service solutions, has announced a strategic partnership with the African Airlines Association (AFRAA), the continent’s leading trade association for airlines. This collaboration aims to drive innovation, enhance efficiency, and support the growth of Africa’s aviation sector. Under the agreement, Maureva will bring its expertise in airline financial, commercial, operational, passenger processing, and business intelligence solutions closer to African airlines. According to an
ANC Pushes for Debt-Relief Package to Revive Transnet
South Africa’s ruling party, the African National Congress (ANC), plans to request the National Treasury to implement a one-off debt-relief package for state-owned rail and ports operator Transnet ahead of the February budget announcement. According to Zuko Godlimpi, Deputy Head of the ANC’s Economic Transformation Committee, Transnet requires support akin to the R254-billion debt-relief package granted to Eskom Holdings in 2023. Godlimpi emphasized that Transnet’s efficient operation is critical to
Zambia Pushes for Private Sector Role in Transforming the Lobito Corridor
The Zambian government has called for greater private sector participation in the Lobito Corridor to drive sustainable economic growth across the region. At the official opening of the Lobito Corridor Secretariat on Wednesday, Zambia’s Minister of Transport and Logistics, Frank Tayali, underscored the transformative potential of the corridor, which connects Zambia, Angola, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The Secretariat, based on Lobito Island in Angola, will oversee the