South Africa’s state-owned terminal operator, Transnet Port Terminals (TPT), has reported improved vessel handling performance in May 2025, with several container terminals exceeding compliance targets for arrivals, berthing, and departures.
According to a TPT statement, performance aligned with shipping agreements at three of its five container terminals.
The Ngqura Container Terminal achieved a 96% compliance rate, while Port Elizabeth and Cape Town Container Terminals (CTCT) recorded 86% and 83% respectively.
In Durban, Pier 1 and Pier 2 showed ongoing performance ramp-ups. Pier 1 achieved 68% compliance in May and improved to 100% during the first half of June. Pier 2 saw a more modest increase, from 43% in May to 50% in early June.
As of mid-June, the combined average compliance across all terminals stood at 80%.
TPT Chief Executive Jabu Mdaki said:
“Our ongoing recovery continues to yield positive results two months into the new financial year, with zero vessels at anchor across all our container terminals for an extended period.”
However, private sector sources in Cape Town have challenged these claims. One insider, speaking anonymously, said the apparent lack of vessel congestion at Table Bay was not due to operational improvements, but rather because many vessels were bypassing Cape Town altogether, choosing alternative ports along the coast.
The latest Container Movement Update by the South African Association of Freight Forwarders (SAAFF) and Business Unity SA corroborated these concerns.
The report cited operational disruptions caused by equipment breakdowns, vacant berths, and adverse weather, particularly at Cape Town and Durban.
The report noted:
Cape Town suffered from “equipment challenges and vacant berths.”
Durban was impacted by “continuous equipment breakdowns and adverse weather.”
Eastern Cape ports faced “inclement weather, vessel ranging, and berth availability issues.”
Despite these setbacks, equipment upgrades at CTCT remain underway. According to sources, three new rubber-tyred gantry (RTG) cranes are set to be commissioned in early July, with another six arriving later in the month. Transnet recently confirmed these plans in a separate announcement.
Mdaki also highlighted a 5% year-on-year increase in refrigerated container volumes as of May 2025, buoyed by the onset of South Africa’s citrus export season, which services more than 100 global markets.
“Despite delayed vessel arrivals from Europe and the Far East due to severe weather, citrus season started strong,” said Mdaki.
“We’re expanding berthing capacity and preparing for new ship-to-shore cranes. Our goal is to build the capacity South Africa needs to compete globally.”
