September 25, 2025
South Africa’s major container ports at Coega and Durban have been ranked among the worst-performing globally in the latest edition of the World Bank and S&P Global Container Port Performance Index (CPPI). The findings highlight persistent challenges of inefficiency and congestion at two of the country’s most critical maritime gateways, even as Cape Town has recorded notable improvement.
Ranking and Findings
The CPPI, released earlier this week, assesses 405 global ports based on factors such as vessel turnaround time, efficiency of cargo handling, and overall reliability. Durban and Coega, despite their strategic importance in southern Africa’s trade flows, were placed near the bottom of the index. Long ship wait times, equipment breakdowns, and operational delays were cited as central issues undermining their performance.
In contrast, Cape Town port — which has historically struggled with weather-related disruptions and infrastructure constraints — posted a significant climb in the rankings. The report attributes this to improved coordination between port operators and shipping lines, as well as targeted investment in cargo-handling capacity.
Industry Impact
Durban remains South Africa’s busiest container port, handling the bulk of regional imports and exports, while Coega, adjacent to Port Elizabeth, was designed as a modern alternative hub. Their poor rankings raise concerns over the competitiveness of South Africa’s logistics sector at a time when global supply chains are under pressure to minimize costs and delays.
Maritime economists warn that the inefficiencies could deter future shipping calls, increase costs for exporters, and undermine South Africa’s role as a regional trade hub. “Every additional hour of vessel waiting time translates into higher costs for shipping lines and shippers, which ultimately filters down to consumers,” one logistics analyst noted.
Government and Industry Response
Transnet, South Africa’s state-owned ports and logistics operator, has acknowledged the challenges facing its ports. The company has pledged to accelerate reforms, including private-sector participation in terminal operations, investment in modern handling equipment, and digitalization of port processes.
South Africa’s Department of Transport has also highlighted port efficiency as a national priority, citing its direct impact on the economy’s growth potential. Recent measures include the introduction of performance-based concessions and a review of regulatory frameworks governing port operations.
A Mixed Picture
While the improvement at Cape Town has been welcomed as a positive sign, experts caution that systemic reform across the entire port network is needed. Durban’s chronic congestion and Coega’s underperformance demonstrate that isolated gains will not be sufficient to restore confidence in South Africa’s ports as reliable trade facilitators.
As the global shipping industry continues to demand efficiency and reliability, South Africa’s mixed performance underscores both the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. For exporters and importers alike, the ability of the country’s ports to improve operations will be a critical factor in ensuring competitiveness in international markets.
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