South Africa’s Port Communication Strain

Rail Partnerships, Freight Risks, and Why Demurrage Should Be on Your Radar

Port Communication Failures Are Costing Money

This past week has highlighted a new challenge at South Africa’s ports. It is not delays this time but poor communication. Vessels are arriving without proper notification, and in many cases, the scheduled times we were given have already passed. The result is detention and overstay charges that quickly escalate when documentation is late. Exporters and importers need to stay alert and plan carefully to avoid unnecessary costs.

Rail Partnerships Announced – But Not for Containers Yet

There was positive news with the government confirming partnerships with 11 new rail operators. These agreements are currently focused on bulk cargo, not containerised freight, but they mark a step forward in building rail capacity and reducing pressure on South Africa’s roads. For exporters, this is a signal that long-term investment is beginning, even if the benefits are not immediate for container flows.

Freight Market Insights – Overcapacity Risks Build

• Bunker fuel transfers: New environmental rules are in force for offshore ship-to-ship transfers, tightening compliance and raising penalties.

• Carrier orderbook: The containership orderbook now stands at 10.4m TEU, or 31.7% of the active fleet. Analysts warn of an overcapacity cycle lasting into the next decade.

• Cold chain focus: Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen underlined the importance of cold chain infrastructure for food security at the recent Global Cold Chain Alliance Africa Conference.

• Steel tariffs under review: ITAC’s proposals could push duties up sharply for importers, with one case showing an increase of R119 million.

• Banking sector risk: South African banks have raised concern over the possibility of being cut off from the SWIFT payment system if U.S. sanctions expand.

Knowledge Corner – Free Time and Demurrage

One of the biggest cost traps in logistics right now is the misunderstanding free time and demurrage. Free time is the period you can store a container at no cost. Once it expires, daily charges begin. Demurrage applies inside the port terminal, while detention applies when the container is held outside beyond the limit.

Why it matters:

• Fees can run into thousands of rands per container.

• Frequent stack date changes raise risk for exporters.

• Charges must be paid before release, creating cash flow pressure.

• Delays can damage customer relationships.

What you can do:

• Track cut-off times daily.

• Use tools or trusted partners to manage free time proactively.

• Build a buffer into planning.

• Lean on TSI for early warnings and solutions that keep costs under control.

Looking Ahead

South Africa’s ports are edging back toward stronger throughput levels, but weak communication and sudden changes are creating new risks. At the same time, global shipping faces a looming overcapacity cycle, while tariffs and compliance rules continue to shift. For businesses, the lesson is clear: anticipate change, plan for volatility, and work with partners who provide visibility and control.

At TSI Central Station, we remain focused on giving our clients transparency, stability, and support — ensuring cargo keeps moving despite the turbulence.