The Department of Transport is warning of potential congestion along South Africa’s coastline as more ships may reroute via the Cape of Good Hope due to ongoing tensions in the Middle-East.
The warning came during the National Transport Conference at the Gallagher Conference Centre in Midrand, Johannesburg, where Deputy Minister Mkhuleko Hlengwa highlighted the anticipated increase in maritime traffic.
“South Africa will experience a significant spike in East-West shipping traffic, particularly container vessels, tankers, and bulk carriers that are now avoiding the Middle-East route. The re-routing of vessels could increase transits along the Cape of Good Hope depending on the duration of the situation,” Hlengwa said.
He urged enhanced maritime awareness, including search and rescue readiness, accident prevention, and greater reliance on the country’s maritime safety systems.
“The Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) in Cape Town will continue to operate 24/7 with internationally recognised personnel to monitor all vessels transiting South Africa’s search and rescue region,” Hlengwa added.
The Deputy Minister reassured the maritime sector that the government is committed to supporting increased traffic and mitigating risks arising from the Middle-East crisis.
