Importers are increasingly diverting goods to neighboring West African countries to avoid soaring port charges in Nigeria. Over the past month, multiple government agencies, terminal operators, and shipping companies have raised their fees by nearly 100%, making cargo clearance unaffordable for many businesses. Lagos port, Nigeria’s busiest, has been particularly affected, with a sharp decline in activity, threatening the country’s ease of doing business agenda. According to The Guardian Nigeria,
Category: Shipping News
Angola Inaugurates Barra do Dande Ocean Terminal’s First Phase
Angolan President João Lourenço has inaugurated the first phase of the Barra do Dande Ocean Terminal, a major development in the country’s oil and gas logistics infrastructure. The terminal will bolster Angola’s energy trade and enhance national oil company Sonangol’s fuel storage capacity. The terminal features 29 storage tanks with a combined capacity of 580,000 cubic meters for gasoline, diesel, and gas. A 1,700-meter jetty allows the facility to accommodate
AD Ports Group Launches $250M Investment to Modernize Luanda Terminal and Logistics Hub
AD Ports Group (ADX: ADPORTS), a global leader in trade, logistics, and industry, has officially commenced the long-term management and development of a major multipurpose terminal and logistics business in Luanda, Angola. In partnership with Angolan firms Unicargas and Multiparques, the initiative aims to modernize port operations and strengthen regional trade networks. The Noatum Ports Luanda Terminal, Angola’s largest port, handles 76% of the country’s container and general cargo, serving
CMA CGM to Prioritize Alternative Routes via Cape of Good Hope Amid Regional Tensions
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
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
Port of Maputo Embarks on Expansion to Boost Capacity and Sustainability
The Port of Maputo is set to begin its ambitious container and coal terminal expansion projects in the first half of this year. These initiatives are central to the operational upgrades envisioned under the extended concession agreement granted to Sociedade de Desenvolvimento do Porto de Maputo (MPDC), the port’s managing entity. According to MPDC, the expansion aims to solidify the Port of Maputo’s role as a critical hub for trade
South African Ports Begin 2025 with Improved Efficiency Amid Regional Challenges
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
Walvis Bay Positioned as Key Southern Africa Transshipment Hub by MSC
The Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) has officially designated the Port of Walvis Bay as a crucial transshipment hub for Southern Africa with the launch of its Namibia Express route. This strategic move aims to strengthen trade links between Africa, Europe, and global markets, cementing Namibia’s role in international logistics. MSC recently announced plans to enhance its North West Continent (NWC) to South Africa service and introduce two new routes: the
MSC Establishes Walvis Bay as Southern Africa’s Transshipment Hub
Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) has announced significant updates to its North West Continent (NWC) to South Africa service, alongside the introduction of two new shuttle services. These developments position the Port of Walvis Bay in Namibia as a critical transshipment hub for the region. In a recent statement, MSC confirmed its commitment to enhancing its Southern African network to facilitate seamless trade between Africa, Europe, and other global markets. Key