Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) has continued to improve operations at the Port of Cape Town, with better terminal performance, shorter ship turnaround times and higher cargo throughput across key sectors.
The port has steadily reduced container terminal ship turnaround times over the past four financial years. Average turnaround time fell from 103 hours in 2023/24 to 83 hours in 2024/25, then to 74 hours in 2025/26. So far in 2026/27, the average has dropped further to 58 hours. Ships are also spending less time waiting at anchorage, with average waiting times decreasing from 127 hours in 2023/24 to 79 hours in 2025/26.
Higher terminal handling rates and the removal of marine-related delays have driven these improvements, helping the port operate more efficiently and deliver more reliable services.
The Port of Cape Town recorded strong cargo performance during the 2025/26 financial year, although results varied across different commodity sectors in response to market conditions.
Container volumes increased by 6.5% compared with the previous financial year, supported by record deep-sea import and export volumes.
Liquid bulk volumes rose by 10.3% year on year, driven by higher petroleum imports and strong coastwise export activity.
Dry bulk volumes declined by 42.8% as favourable local harvests and improved domestic grain supplies reduced the Western Cape’s need for imported maize and barley.
Break bulk volumes increased by 25.5% compared with the previous financial year.
The port continues to expand private sector participation, with nine of its eleven terminals now privately operated. It also plans to issue new requests for proposals for a multipurpose terminal and a floating dock facility to strengthen ship repair capacity.
Infrastructure upgrades have also supported better port performance. Ten permanently deployed shore tension units at the Cape Town Container Terminal have reduced long-wave-related downtime by 92% since the 2023/24 financial year.
Acting Port Manager Ophelia Shabane said the Port of Cape Town continues to improve operational performance and service delivery through targeted interventions, infrastructure investment and close collaboration with terminal operators and industry stakeholders. She added that the port remains focused on building a more efficient and competitive gateway that supports trade and economic growth.
These improvements support Transnet’s Reinvent for Growth strategy, which focuses on improving operational efficiency and creating a stronger foundation for sustainable long-term growth.
source: TNPA
African Maritime Council