Russian Logistics Giant FESCO Targets Tanzania Expansion After First Container Shipment to Dar es Salaam Russian logistics company FESCO Transportation Group is advancing plans to expand its commercial operations in Tanzania, marking a strategic step in its broader push to grow its footprint across Africa. The company recently completed its first container shipment to the Port of Dar es Salaam, signaling the beginning of new trade routes linking Russia and
Category: Shipping News
Transnet Reports Strong Growth Across South African Ports as Cargo Volumes Reach Multi-Year High
South Africa’s Transnet Records 9% Rise in Vessel Arrivals and Strongest Port Cargo Growth Since 2011 South Africa’s state-owned logistics company, Transnet, has reported strong growth across the country’s port system for the 2025/26 financial year, signaling improving trade activity and growing confidence in the country’s logistics sector. The company announced a 9% year-on-year increase in vessel arrivals, alongside notable gains in cargo volumes across several major categories. According to
Namibian Ports Handle 8.4 Million Tonnes in 2025 as South Africa and Zambia Dominate Cargo Flows
South Africa and Zambia Account for Nearly 70% of Namibia’s Cross-Border Port Cargo in 2025 Amid 19% Trade Growth Surge In 2025, 35% of all cross-border cargo processed at Namibian ports came from South Africa, with Zambia contributing 34%, collectively accounting for almost 70% of the total. Botswana’s share was 18%, followed by the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) at 10%, and Malawi at 8%. This data is sourced
China Expands Direct Shipping Routes to Africa Ahead of Zero-Tariff Trade Policy
China Launches New Africa Shipping Routes as Zero-Tariff Access for 53 Countries Begins in May 2026 China is expanding its maritime trade footprint across Africa through new direct shipping routes from key domestic ports, a move aimed at improving logistics efficiency and strengthening commercial ties ahead of planned tariff reductions in 2026. According to Global Times, Beijing will introduce zero-tariff access for 53 African countries with diplomatic relations, effective May
Namibia Expands Walvis Bay Port to Position Itself as Southern Africa’s Logistics Gateway
Namibia Invests $126.5M in Walvis Bay Port Upgrade to Rival South Africa’s Congested Trade Routes Namibia is accelerating its push to become a regional logistics hub with a $126.5 million upgrade of Walvis Bay Port, aimed at improving trade efficiency for landlocked neighbors. The project includes the addition of six rubber-tyred gantry (RTG) cranes, which will significantly boost container handling capacity and reduce vessel turnaround times. It is being implemented
Maersk Halts New Shipments to Berbera, Putting Pressure on Horn of Africa Trade Routes
Maersk Suspends New Cargo Bookings to Berbera Port, Raising Concerns Over Ethiopia Trade Corridor Disruptions Global container shipping giant A.P. Moller–Maersk has temporarily suspended new cargo bookings to and from the Port of Berbera, disrupting a key inland trade corridor connecting the Horn of Africa’s coastal gateways to Ethiopia’s import-dependent economy. In a notice to customers, the company said the suspension takes effect immediately due to scheduling changes. However, Maersk
Metso Expands African Footprint with New Bulk Materials Handling Hub in Cape Town
Metso Opens Cape Town Regional Hub to Support African Ports, Localisation and Bulk Materials Handling Growth Global industrial technology group Metso has expanded its bulk materials handling network with the opening of a new regional hub in Cape Town, strengthening its operational presence and service capacity across Africa’s port and mining sectors. The Finnish company, which supplies technologies, equipment and services to the aggregates, minerals processing and metals refining industries
Hapag-Lloyd Suspends Africa–Upper Gulf Shipments Amid Rising Middle East Tensions
Hapag-Lloyd Halts Africa-to-Gulf Cargo Bookings Over Security Risks in Strait of Hormuz German shipping giant Hapag-Lloyd has suspended cargo bookings from Africa to the Upper Gulf region, citing increased operational and security risks linked to escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. The decision follows recent military strikes carried out by the United States and Israel against targets in Iran. The attacks reportedly targeted senior Iranian leaders and triggered a
Transnet Launches Private-Sector Partnership for Richards Bay Dry Bulk Terminal
Transnet Seeks Private Partners to Boost Efficiency and Investment at Richards Bay Dry Bulk Terminal South Africa’s port and rail freight parastatal, Transnet, has officially issued a Request for Qualification (RFQ) to kickstart the selection of a private-sector partner for its Richards Bay Dry Bulk Terminal (RBDBT) Private-Sector Participation (PSP) project. The RFQ marks a key milestone in Transnet’s “Reinvent for Growth Strategy”, demonstrating the organisation’s readiness to engage the
Maersk Positioned to Take Control of Panama’s Port of Balboa
Maersk Set to Expand Influence at Panama’s Port of Balboa Following Supreme Court Ruling Against HutchisonMaersk, the Danish shipping giant, is poised to assume control of the Port of Balboa in Panama City, marking a significant expansion of its influence in global maritime trade. While Maersk may no longer hold the top spot as the largest container line by TEU capacity, gaining operational control at Balboa would give it sway