South africa ports record 9% growth in Vessel Traffic

Transnet has reported continued improvement across South Africa’s port system, with vessel traffic increasing by 9% year on year during the 2025/26 financial year. The growth reflects ongoing operational recovery efforts and strengthening momentum across the organisation’s port operations.

Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) recorded 8,630 vessel arrivals during the year, compared to 7,912 in the previous financial year. The increase marks an important milestone in Transnet’s Reinvent for Growth strategy, which focuses on improving operational efficiency and strengthening South Africa’s position as a competitive global trade gateway.

The increase in vessel arrivals reflects improved coordination across the port system, supported by closer collaboration between TNPA and terminal operators, as well as ongoing efficiency improvements.

Cargo throughput across TNPA’s eight commercial seaports increased by 4.2% to approximately 304 million tonnes, representing the strongest growth recorded since the 2011/12 financial year.

Three of the five main cargo categories recorded strong growth, while breakbulk and liquid bulk volumes showed signs of gradual recovery.

Automotive volumes recorded the highest growth, up 13.3%, while the Port of Durban exceeded its throughput targets. Container volumes also grew by 7.1%, surpassing annual budget expectations by 3.6%, largely driven by a 22% increase in citrus exports.

Dry bulk cargo volumes increased by 4.2%, supported by export demand for chrome ore, magnetite and manganese commodities.

Transnet Group Chief Executive Michelle Phillips said the growth reflected an improving economic landscape, supported by Transnet’s recovery initiatives and improvements in port and rail efficiencies.

She added that Transnet remains focused on sustaining operational improvements, accelerating port infrastructure investment and implementing structural reforms to support continued trade growth and cargo movement through South Africa’s ports.

Infrastructure projects across the port system continue to support future demand and improve operational resilience.

At the Port of Durban, expansion plans are expected to significantly increase container-handling capacity, while upgrades at the Port of Cape Town, including container stack improvements and truck staging facilities, aim to improve efficiency and reduce congestion.