South Africa: Transnet declares force majeure at key ports, July 26

Event

South Africa's state-owned ports and freight rail company, Transnet, declared force majeure at several key container ports, including Durban, Ngqura, Port Elizabeth, and Cape Town, July 26. The action follows a cyberattack, July 22, which resulted in disruptions. Transnet has indicated that its taking measures to ensure disruptions to goods deliveries are limited; however, the movement of cargo has slowed considerably as the operator adopts a manual system for moving containers.

Disruptions to the delivery of some goods are likely to persist across South Africa and some parts of Southern Africa in the coming weeks. Disruptions are also likely to persist after normal operations resume as Transnet works through the backlog of delayed containers.

Advice

Reconfirm the status of goods deliveries if moving freight through South African ports.