The Port of Los Angeles recorded a new monthly high in September, handling 954,706 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units), a 27% increase over the same month last year. This surge propelled the port to its best quarter ever, with 2.85 million TEUs processed in the third quarter, surpassing its previous record set in the second quarter of 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Gene Seroka, executive director of the Port of Los
Author: Constance Makungu
20 Crew Rescued After Fire Engulfs Sea Harvest Vessel Near Cape Town
Twenty crew members were safely rescued after a fire broke out aboard the Sea Harvest fishing vessel, MVF Armana, while it was sailing approximately 60 nautical miles off the coast of Cape Town, Western Cape, on Sunday. The fire occurred during the early morning hours on the 62-year-old vessel, initially raising concerns that it might sink. However, the Maritime Rescue Coordinating Centre (MRCC), based at the South African Maritime Safety
SAA Expands African Network with New Johannesburg-Lubumbashi Route and Increased Flight Frequencies
South African Airways (SAA) has announced the launch of direct flights between Johannesburg and Lubumbashi, scheduled to commence on November 4. This new route joins SAA’s existing service to Kinshasa, providing five weekly flights to both key Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) destinations. In addition to this new service, SAA has outlined a substantial increase in flight frequencies to several African cities starting in November. Flights to Harare and Lusaka
Congestion at South Africa-Botswana Border Post Disrupts Trade
South Africa’s northern supply chain border post with Botswana, Groblersbrug, was once more renowned for 4×4 excursions to exotic locations than for heavy cargo logistics. However, it has recently become plagued by severe road freight congestion since the Department of Home Affairs implemented a biometric system designed to capture the data of pedestrians, travelers, and truck drivers. While this initiative is part of the Border Management Authority’s (BMA) ongoing efforts
Maersk Optimistic About Suez Canal Reopening Amid Regional Conflict
As the Middle East teeters on the brink of wider conflict, Danish shipping giant Maersk remains optimistic that it’s not a question of if, but when, the vital Suez Canal will regain its prominence in maritime trade. On November 19, it will mark one year since Yemen’s Houthi rebels hijacked the roll-on roll-off carrier Galaxy Leader in the southern Red Sea, forcing its crew at gunpoint to head to the
South Africa’s Container Throughput Declines Amid Operational Challenges and Court Ruling
Following a relatively stable performance at the end of September, the beginning of October saw an 8% decline in container throughput at South African ports, dropping from a daily average of 8,072 to 7,384 containers week-on-week. The latest Cargo Movement Update, compiled by the South African Association of Freight Forwarders and Business Unity SA, indicated that port operations were primarily hampered by inclement weather, equipment breakdowns, and shortages. The report
Durban Container Terminal Concession Halted as Court Rules in Favor of APM Terminals
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
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