# South African port operational efficiency and growth > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/south-african-port-operational-efficiency-and-growth > Updated: 2026-08-15T22:01:14.000Z. Sources: 2. Developments: 2. South African maritime operations, particularly in Cape Town, have demonstrated significant improvements in efficiency and cargo handling. In the 2025/26 financial year, the Port of Cape Town saw a 6.5% increase in container volumes, supported by technical upgrades that reduced vessel turnaround times to an average of 58 hours. By August 2026, these efficiency gains continued to evolve, with vessel waiting times in Cape Town dropping by 61% to 44.3 hours. This period was marked by an 82% increase in rail performance and a 16% rise in container volumes. These developments are critical for the region, as the port manages approximately 80% of the country’s deciduous fruit exports. While operational performance improved, the sector also faced economic shifts, such as A.P. Moller-Maersk announcing a 50% increase in South African port fees effective 1 August 2026, citing fuel neutrality policies. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-15: South African ports report improved efficiency and vessel movements South African ports report significant operational changes, with Cape Town reducing vessel waiting times by 61% and improving rail performance ahead of the fruit export season. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/south-african-ports-report-improved-efficiency-and-vessel-movements ### 2026-07-23: South Africa's Cape Town port records cargo growth as Transnet pushes private‑sector involvement Cape Town’s port saw a 6.5% cargo rise as Transnet seeks private investment; Maersk lifts South African port fees to ZAR 78 per container under Transnet’s Fuel Neutrality policy. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/south-africas-cape-town-port-records-cargo-growth-as-transnet-pushes-privatesector-involvement --- Cite as: South African port operational efficiency and growth. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/south-african-port-operational-efficiency-and-growth