South Africa: Severe delays at port of Durban, KwaZulu-Natal likely through February 2024 amid backlog

Heavy delays and congestion are being reported at South Africa's main container port in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal Province, as of late November; estimates set the backlog to at least 21 days, involving some 70,000 containers. Authorities have indicated a possible return to normalcy by February 2024. The reason for the current spike in delays is unclear, but the port has historically suffered from inefficiencies stemming from mismanagement. The state-owned utility Transnet has also cited poor weather conditions.

Disruptions to port operations, including delivery and receipt of cargo, are likely until the backlog is processed. Shipping and ground transport delays are likely as vessels' wait time increases. Heavy freight vehicles are likely to build up on roads leading to the port, increasing congestion on primary entry routes to Durban and on secondary routes as freight and private vehicles seek alternative routes.