The latest Containers Port Terminal Index released by the World Bank and S&P Market Intelligence paints a troubling picture of the nation’s maritime gateways. Notably, Durban has found itself at the bottom of the heap, ranking 403rd out of 403 ports globally, while Ngqura and the Port Elizabeth harbour also fared poorly, landing at 402nd and 395th, respectively. Yet, despite these bleak rankings, experts assert that Transnet has made meaningful strides in addressing the longstanding delays and inefficiencies that have plagued the country’s ports.
The report acknowledges a notable resilience and improvement in South African container ports, especially as they navigated the turbulent waters of 2024. These enhancements come against a backdrop of considerable external pressures, including the Red Sea crisis, which has necessitated a significant diversion of Asia-Europe trade around the Cape of Good Hope. Such shifts have placed acute demands on port capacity and operational efficiency, spotlighting the urgency for transformation within Transnet.
Despite evidence of progress, the statistics tell a stark story. Only 52% of a vessel’s time spent at port is deemed productive, leaving an alarming 48% languishing at anchor or tied up with arrival operations. This reality highlights the deep-rooted inefficiencies that still persist within the port system, constraining South Africa’s ability to capitalise on global trade opportunities.
The poor showing of South African ports on an international scale has raised eyebrows, particularly as the country seeks to position itself as a key player in regional and global shipping routes. Durban’s ranking as the lowest-performing port in the index serves as a wake-up call, underscoring the collective need for urgent reforms and a commitment to operational excellence across all levels of Transnet.