KPA Strengthens Maritime Emergency Readiness with Full-Scale Mombasa Port Drill The Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) has concluded a week-long maritime safety programme with a full-scale emergency drill at the Port of Mombasa, testing its preparedness to respond to maritime incidents. The exercise assessed firefighting, evacuation, communication and coordination between KPA personnel, emergency responders and government agencies. Led by Capt. Moses Muthama, KPA’s Manager for Marine Operations, Maintenance and Hydrography, the
Category: Shipping News
Chinese-Backed $900 Million Port Investment Expands Africa’s Infrastructure Drive
Another African Country Secures $900 Million Chinese-Backed Port Project to Boost Trade and Logistics A new $900 million Chinese-backed port investment is set to strengthen Africa’s trade infrastructure, highlighting the growing role of international partnerships in expanding logistics networks across the continent. The project forms part of a broader wave of port developments aimed at improving maritime connectivity, increasing trade capacity and supporting economic growth as African countries seek to
Kenya’s New Cargo Declaration System Raises Regional Freight Concerns
KRA’s New Advance Cargo Declaration System Sparks Supply Chain Concerns Across Southern Africa The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has introduced a mandatory digital Advance Cargo Declaration (ACD) system for containerised imports, prompting concerns from regional freight operators over the short implementation timeline and possible supply chain disruptions. The Road Freight Association (RFA) warned that the rapid rollout could create bottlenecks at ports and increase costs for transport operators moving cargo
Maersk Resumes Suez Canal Route for Middle East-US Service as Red Sea Confidence Returns
Maersk Restores Suez Canal Routing for MECL Service, Cutting Transit Times by Up to 14 Days Maersk is returning another container service to the Suez Canal and Red Sea route, signalling a gradual shift away from Cape of Good Hope diversions as security conditions improve. The shipping line announced on 9 July that its Middle East-US East Coast (MECL) service would resume using the trans-Suez route following operational changes to
Dar es Salaam Port Reduces Vehicle Cargo Handling Times by Over 90%
DP World-Led Improvements Cut Vehicle Discharge Times at Tanzania’s Dar es Salaam Port The Port of Dar es Salaam has reduced vehicle cargo discharge times by more than 90% following operational improvements at its main multipurpose terminal, according to operator DP World. Since DP World began operating Terminal 1 under a 30-year concession agreement in April 2024, discharge times for vehicle cargo have dropped from more than 300 hours to
Cape Town Port Fuel Supplies Remain Stable Despite Middle East Tensions
Port of Cape Town Bunkering Unaffected as Fuel Supplies Stay Stable Amid Middle East Crisis Bunkering operations at the Port of Cape Town have continued without interruption despite recent geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, with diesel and fuel oil supplies remaining stable, according to the Port Liaison Forum (PLF). PLF Chairperson Terry Gale, whose organisation operates under the Cape Chamber of Commerce, said vessels calling at the port have
South African Businesses Push Back Against New Far East Shipping Surcharges
South African Importers Warn New Maersk and CMA CGM Surcharges Will Drive Up Costs South African importers and exporters are raising concerns over new Peak Season Surcharges (PSSs) introduced by shipping lines Maersk and CMA CGM on cargo moving from the Far East to Southern Africa. Maersk will impose a surcharge of US$250 per 20-foot container and US$500 per 40-foot container from 1 July, while CMA CGM introduced surcharges of
World Bank Clears Restart of South Kivu Trade Infrastructure Projects
South Kivu Infrastructure Projects Resume as World Bank Lifts Suspension, Boosting Great Lakes Regional Trade A series of major trade and transport infrastructure projects in South Kivu will resume after the World Bank lifted a months-long suspension prompted by insecurity in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The decision was announced on June 24, 2026, during the sixth regular meeting of the Interministerial Steering Committee for the Great Lakes Trade Facilitation
Transnet Rolls Out Digital Upgrades to Improve Efficiency at the Port of Cape Town
Transnet Accelerates Port of Cape Town Digital Transformation with Automated Gates and Smart Port Systems Transnet is accelerating the digital transformation of the Port of Cape Town with the introduction of automated gate systems and an expanded digital booking platform aimed at improving cargo movement, reducing congestion, and enhancing operational efficiency. The initiatives form part of Transnet’s broader programme to modernise South Africa’s ports and strengthen the competitiveness of the
Namibia Advances Walvis Bay Container Terminal Concession to Improve Throughput and Regional Competitiveness
Namibia Moves to Concession Walvis Bay Container Terminal to Private Operator to Boost SADC Trade Efficiency Namibia is advancing plans to bring in a private operator to manage the Walvis Bay container terminal, with the environmental public-comment period on the operation-and-management proposal set to close on 29 June 2026. The move is aimed at improving efficiency and strengthening the port’s role as a competitive gateway for regional trade in the