More than a year after South Africa’s freight industry learned that Transnet awarded a concession tender to International Container Terminal Services Incorporated (ICTSI) to operate Pier 2 at the Durban Container Terminal (DCT), the privatisation process has been halted—at least for now. This development follows a ruling by the Durban High Court in favor of an interdict application lodged by APM Terminals last October. Transnet had awarded ICTSI a 25-year
Author: Constance Makungu
DHL Optimistic About Airfreight Growth in Q1 2025 Amidst Port Disruptions
DHL has expressed optimism for the first quarter of 2025, forecasting continued growth in airfreight volumes. During a recent webinar, Tim Robertson, Chief Executive for the Americas at DHL Global Forwarding, shared his insights on airfreight trends for the upcoming year. Robertson noted that, following a strong fourth quarter, significant changes in airfreight patterns are not expected in Q1. He highlighted a rise in airfreight volumes from the Asia-Pacific region
Gard Warns Seafarers of Legal Risks in Norway Over Drone Use at Ports
The Norwegian protection and indemnity association, Gard, has issued a caution to seafarers on the legal risks associated with drone use in ports, following a recent incident in Norway. A ship officer on a Gard member vessel was arrested and fined after using a personal drone to capture footage over the commercial Port of Hammerfest, where his ship was docked. The officer, a European national, now faces potential deportation due
Escalating Attacks in the Black Sea Threaten Global Shipping and Food Security
The Black Sea has become a perilous zone for merchant vessels as Russian military forces intensify their attacks on Ukraine’s export routes, according to reports from the BBC and Reuters. Recent escalations have seen a surge in assaults on commercial vessels, marking the fourth attack in less than a month and posing a serious threat to global supply chains. Following a relatively calm period for shipping, these renewed hostilities highlight
South Africa’s Groblersbrug Border Faces Delays Amid Biometrics Rollout and Beitbridge Congestion
Cross-border transporters are experiencing up to three-day delays at South Africa’s Groblersbrug border with Botswana, impacted by a new biometric system implemented by the Border Management Authority (BMA) and ongoing congestion issues at Beitbridge. According to Mike Fitzmaurice of the Transit Assistance Bureau, the BMA has introduced a biometric system requiring immigration officers to capture the biometrics of all travelers and truck drivers. While this process takes about 15 minutes
USMX and ILA Strike Nears Resolution as Dockworkers Return to Ports
The labor dispute between the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) and the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) appears to be reaching a resolution, with dockworkers expected to resume operations as early as Friday, October 4, according to a communique from Scan Global Logistics. This update follows an agreement between the ILA and USMX to extend their contract negotiations until January 15 while working towards a comprehensive six-year deal. US President Joe
CMA CGM Acquires 48% Stake in Leading Brazilian Terminal Operator Santos Brasil
The CMA CGM Group has announced an agreement to acquire a 48% stake in Santos Brasil Participações S/A, a prominent Brazilian multi-terminal operator. This investment marks a significant expansion of CMA CGM’s presence in Brazil and aligns with the company’s global port development strategy. “Santos Brasil operates five terminals across Brazil, including the country’s largest container terminal at the Port of Santos, handling approximately 40% of Brazil’s container volume,” stated
Zambia Airways and Motor Dealers Association Partner to Boost Regional Trade
Zambia Airways has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Zambia Motor Dealers Association to improve travel logistics for association members, marking a major milestone in supporting local businesses with affordable, efficient transport options. Announced at a ceremony in Lusaka, this partnership enables Zambia Airways to offer specialized flights to key regional hubs like South Africa and Tanzania, directly catering to the needs of Zambia’s motor dealers. Zambia Airways’
AFC Advances Zambia Lobito Rail Project with Angola and Zambia Concession Agreements
The Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) has achieved a major milestone in the Zambia Lobito Rail project by entering concession agreements with the governments of Angola and Zambia. The formal signing took place alongside the 79th United Nations General Assembly, with support from the U.S. G-7 Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGI) and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken. These agreements position the AFC as the lead entity for funding,
Zambia Advances Road Safety with AU Charter Ratification
Zambia has officially ratified the African Union (AU) Road Safety Charter, marking a critical step toward enhancing road safety and reducing traffic accidents. This initiative aligns with a broader African effort to address the continent’s high road fatality rates, driven by hazardous road conditions, inadequate safety protocols, and inconsistent enforcement of traffic regulations. Zambian Ambassador to Ethiopia, Rose Sakala, formally submitted the ratification on behalf of the government, underscoring the