Durban Gateway Terminal faces severe cargo flow disruptions

The South African Freight and Logistics Association (SAFLA) and the Road Freight Association (RFA) are demanding an immediate recovery plan to address severe disruptions at the Durban Gateway Terminal (DGT). Recent data indicates significant operational delays, with vessel anchorage and berth times increasing substantially. Following a NAVIS N4 system transition in mid-August, weekly throughput dropped by 26%, and terminal waits have reached between eight and 12 days.

These delays have impacted landside operations, with increased transit times for transporters and trucks. The economic consequences include rising costs for storage, demurrage, and emergency airfreight, as well as production delays. The industry is calling for accountability regarding performance commitments under the existing concessions involving Transnet and International Container Terminal Services Inc (ICTSI).