South Africa's Cape Town port records cargo growth as Transnet pushes private‑sector involvement

The Port of Cape Town reported a 6.5% increase in container volumes for the 2025/26 financial year, driven by record deep‑sea import and export shipments. Operational efficiency improved after the permanent installation of ten shore tension units, cutting long‑wave downtime by 92% and reducing average vessel turnaround to 58 hours. These gains support Transnet’s “Reinvent for Growth” strategy, which seeks private‑sector participation in terminal operations. Western Cape Premier Alan Winde welcomed the move, citing the port’s importance for regional agriculture, manufacturing, fisheries and tourism.

Separately, A.P. Moller‑Maersk announced a rise in South African port fees to ZAR 78 per container, a 50% increase effective 1 August 2026. The hike aligns with Transnet Port Terminals’ new Fuel Neutrality policy aimed at mitigating fuel‑price volatility and ensuring financial sustainability for terminal operators.