Port operations in South Africa have started the year on a positive note, marked by significant improvements in efficiency and infrastructure. Maersk Line has reported an enhanced operational environment, with no waiting times, low terminal and yard density, ample depot capacity, and better equipment availability. Cape Town, a critical hub for exporters, has benefited from minimal wind stoppages during what has so far been a mild southeasterly windy season. These
Category: Ports & Terminals
Port of Maputo Demonstrates Resilience with 30.9 Million Tonnes Handled in 2024
The Maputo Port Development Company (MPDC) has announced a total cargo volume of 30.9 million tonnes handled in 2024. While this marks a slight 1% decrease from the previous year, the Port of Maputo’s performance underscores its resilience and adaptability amidst significant logistical challenges. MPDC’s direct operations showed strong growth, handling 14.2 million tonnes, a 14% increase compared to 2023. Road freight volumes saw notable growth, rising by 11% from
CMA CGM-Eurogate Partnership for Hamburg Port Expansion Falls Through
A proposed partnership between French shipping giant CMA CGM and German port operator Eurogate to develop a new terminal in Hamburg has reportedly collapsed, according to shipping analyst Alphaliner. The collaboration centered on the Westerweiterung project, a 24-hectare expansion of Eurogate’s Burchardkai facility aimed at significantly increasing the port’s capacity. While Hamburg officials had encouraged Eurogate to partner with a shipping line for the project, negotiations with CMA CGM failed
FFS Tank Terminals Secures 25-Year Concession for Liquid Bulk Terminal at Cape Town Port
The Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) has appointed FFS Tank Terminals (Pty) Ltd as the preferred bidder for the acquisition, operation, maintenance, refurbishment, construction, and transfer of a R195 million Liquid Bulk Terminal at the Port of Cape Town. The terminal, located in the port’s Liquid Bulk Precinct, will be managed by FFS Tank Terminals under a 25-year concession agreement. Announcing the decision on Thursday, TNPA stated that the company
Trump Backs Longshoremen’s Fight Against Automation at US Ports
President-elect Donald Trump has publicly expressed strong support for the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) in its opposition to the introduction of automation in the nation’s ports. In a statement on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump announced his solidarity with the ILA’s stance during its ongoing contract negotiations with international shipping lines and terminal operators. These negotiations reached a stalemate in November when the US Maritime Alliance (USMX) proposed
ILA Vice President Defends US Ports Amid Criticism, Highlights Operational Complexities
Dennis Daggett, Vice President of the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA), has strongly refuted recent media reports criticizing the efficiency of US ports, labeling them as “inaccurate and irresponsible.” Daggett contends that these claims are based on flawed interpretations of data that overlook critical operational differences between US ports and transshipment hubs worldwide. Daggett specifically addressed comparisons made in the World Bank and S&P Global Market Intelligence survey, which included ports
Somalia and Ethiopia to Launch Negotiations on Somaliland Port Dispute
Somalia and Ethiopia have announced plans to begin technical negotiations by February next year to resolve tensions surrounding Ethiopia’s proposal to develop a port in Somaliland, the self-declared breakaway region of Somalia. Both nations have committed to concluding these talks within four months. The conflict originated in January when Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed proposed securing access to a port in Somaliland. In return, Ethiopia would offer Somaliland a stake
Durban DCT Pier 2 Boosts Operational Efficiency with New Diesel-Electric Straddle Carriers
The Durban Container Terminal (DCT) Pier 2 has taken delivery of the first of 20 diesel-electric straddle carriers, marking a significant milestone in its fleet renewal program. The straddle carrier, delivered this week, will undergo assembly and commissioning on-site, with four additional carriers set to be handed over for endurance testing later this month. Full operations are expected to begin in mid-January 2025. This delivery is part of DCT’s ongoing
US Ports Anticipate Surge in Imports Amid Potential Strike and Tariff Increase
With a potential strike looming at East and Gulf Coast ports in January and President-elect Donald Trump planning to raise tariffs, the United States’ major container ports are expected to experience a continued surge in imports. The latest Global Port Tracker report, released by the National Retail Federation (NRF) and Hackett Associates, forecasts that the surge will last until spring 2025. “Either a strike or new tariffs would be a
Port of Beira Welcomes One of the World’s Largest Cargo Ships
On Friday, November 22, the Port of Beira in Sofala province, central Mozambique, hosted one of the world’s largest cargo ships. The 300-meter-long Post Panamax vessel, carrying 1,800 containers of diverse cargo, is operated by an international shipping company. Miguel de Jenga, Operations Director at Cornelder de Moçambique, the concessionaire managing the port, highlighted the ship’s arrival as a testament to the port’s growing competitiveness and its modernized infrastructure. Preparations