Good Day Clients & Partners,
Please find below our newsletter with the latest freight & logistics updates for the week. As always, the Inter-Sped team are ready to go the extra mile for you – so don’t hesitate to contact us.
SOUTH AFRICA
Air Freight
Sea Freight
Durban
Weather reported as clear for the week ahead, with some wind expected, but no major delays anticipated.
- Pier 1: 1 – 5 days waiting time; terminal 2 berth operational delays due to 1 crane breakdown.
- Pier 2 (DGT – Durban Gateway Terminal): 0 – 1 days waiting time. Overall terminal recovery with all cranes operational.
- Point: 0 – 1 days waiting time
Cape Town
Weather conditions may deteriorate over the weekend, with strong winds expected. Terminal recovery efforts are in progress, but waiting times are still being experienced especially at CTCT.
- CTCT: 4 – 14 days waiting time. Terminal operations are recovering, however weather may continue to hamper operations.
- MPT: 0 – 1 days waiting time
Port Elizabeth
Port operations are smooth; however wind and high swells may impact operations.
- PECT: 0 – 1 day waiting time. Service maintenance is scheduled for the 19th January to end March 2026.
- NCT: 2 – 5 days waiting time. Strong winds expected over the weekend, with may further impact vessel movements and extend delays.
AFRICA & INDIAN OCEAN ISLANDS
Air Freight
Sea Freight
Vessels delayed on rotational route may result in scheduling delays and vessel changes may be exprienced. These delays will have an impact on published transit times.
West Africa
NAMIBIA
- 0 – 2 days waiting time at Walvis Bay. Intermittent wind gusts are expected.
ANGOLA
- Congestion delays at 1 day experienced at Luanda port..
GHANA
- Berthing delays of 5 days experienced at Tema port.
- Terminal is following strict pro-forma moves.
NIGERIA
- Berthing delays of 10 days experienced at Apapa and 3 days at Tincan.
- Increased delays at Apapa are primarily due to the prioritization of import container discharge over the evacuation of empties, resulting in a backlog of empties, which has strained yard space and disrupted port efficiency.
- Nigerian ports recorded a 24.8% increase in throughput volume from 103.6 million metric tons in 2024 compared to 129.3 million tons in 2025.
IVORY COAST
- Berthing delay of 3 days experienced at Abidjan port.
Indian Ocean Islands
MAURITIUS
- Berthing delays of 2 – 4 days – some congestion and delays being experienced as a result of recent weather disruptions. Forecast indicated intermittent rain and some strong wind.
REUNION
- Port Reunion is seeing 1 – 2 days waiting time.
- No weather concerns for the rest of the week.
MADAGASCAR
- Port of Toamasina (Tamatave) – Vessel berthing / congestion delays at 1 – 3 days. Terminals are fully operational post recent storm damages.
East Africa
Carriers have advised extensive delays in East African ports.
East Africa schedule is impacted by vessel berthing delays along the vessel route; compounding erratic schedules, delays, and vessel amendments. Indications from some carriers, is that they may use previously planned middle east vessels to call
East Africa ports, but routings and vessel details are not confirmed. If carriers are able to reroute some vessels, this may have a positive impact on cargo backlogs and delays.
MOZAMBIQUE
- Maputo currently reflecting 0 – 2 days and Beira reflecting around 20 days vessel waiting time.
- Maputo – Intermittent wind gusts expected for the rest of the week.
- Beira – Increased congestion is attributed to adverse weather conditions. Intermittent wind gusts and rain expected for the rest of the week. Terminal recovery is expected by weeks 19 & 20.
KENYA
- Berthing delays of up to 3 days experienced at Mombasa port (published).
- Terminal is facing long-term congestion, slow productivity due to equipment shortages and high transshipment volumes. Berth delays are also due to vessel bunching arriving off-window.
TANZANIA
- Berthing delays 8 days experienced at terminals, as a result of berth sequence. Terminal gate and road congestion is contributing to delays.
- Adani terminal has maintenance work on the quay over the next 2 years.
For more detailed information on major ports in the region, please visit our website.
NORTH AMERICA
Air Freight
Sea Freight
CANADA
SACO and WWA LCL services ex Canada into South Africa are routed over European hubs.
Alternate string is available with routing over New York – should alternate routing be required, this must be advised at time of shipment booking, by the booking party.
Montreal
- Congestion delays of 2 – 4 days experienced at this port.
- All services into Montreal are experiencing some delays due to weather conditions in the North Atlantic.
- Rail car supply is inconsistent, with dwell times reported at 5.6 days.
- The port of Montral is continuing with the Conrecoeur Terminal expansion project, with inwater works scheduled for 2026.
Vanvouver
- Congestion delays of 1 – 2 days experienced at this port. Operating conditions are moderate.
- The 2026 cruise season officially begins today, 26th February.
- There is high yard density being experienced.
USA
Following significant weather disruptions at the end of February as a result of winter storms, ports and terminals are recovering. Some scheduling delays may still be experienced.
Terminals Updates:
NEW YORK / NEW JERSEY
- Average vessel waiting time in New York terminals is at 3 days.
- Vessel operations were suspended during the winter storms, with operations resuming on 26th February 2026.
- Vessel berthing delays continue into this week, with terminals and lines working on arrival sequencing to maximise loadings and reduce terminal congestion.
- Port traffic congestion continues into this week, due to 3 days lost during the winter storms and vessel bunching.
SAVANNAH
- Average vessel waiting time for Savanah terminals is 2 – 3 days.
LOS ANGELES/ LONG BEACH
- Vessel waiting time is up to 2 days for Los Angeles and 2 days for Long Beach.
- Los Angeles – import dwell time is at 2.7 days, with import units on street averaging 5.6 days.
- Long Beach – import dwell time is at 6.9 days.
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For more detailed information on major ports in the region, please visit our website.
SOUTH AMERICA
Air Freight
Sea Freight
ARGENTINA – Buenos Aires
- Berthing delays of 5 days. Terminals are working normally.
BRAZIL – Paranagua / Santos
- Congestion delays of 0 – 1 day in Paranagua.
MEXICO
Atimera
- Berthing delays of 2 days experienced at Altamira port.
- Terminals are working normally.
Veracruz
- Berthing delays of 2 days.
- Terminals are currently working normally.
Manzanillo
- Berthing delays of 2 days.
- Terminals are working normally
For more detailed information on major ports in the region, please visit our website.
NORTH WEST CONTINENT, UNITED KINGDOM, MEDITERRANEAN.
Air Freight
Sea Freight
Weather conditions have improved across Europe, however delays may still be experienced due to backlogs, congestion and operational delays. Erratic carrier schedules remain, however with stabilisation in major carrier transshipment hubs, should see some improvements in schedules.
We do recommend that customers are advised of these delays and extended lead times for all shipments.
Vessel port rotations are subject to amendment and unscheduled transshipments may be
experienced, as dictated by carriers and last minute scheduling changes.
BELGIUM
Berthing delays of 4 days experienced at Antwerp port.
FRANCE
- Berthing delays of 3 days experienced at Le Havre port.
GERMANY
- Berthing delays of 4 days experienced at Hamburg and 2 days at Bremerhaven.
ITALY
- Terminals are congested with berthing delays of 6 days experienced at Genova and 10 days at La Spezia port.
- Port Delays in Italy
- Significant delays in Italian ports are as a result of congestion, particularly at VTE Terminal (Genoa), due to operational challenges and scheduling adjustments. Serious delays are being experienced for
- Customs clearance of containers, due to shortage of personnel. Aging infrastructure and limited capacity are contributing to increased cargo volumes, leading to longer unloading / loading times.
- Nationwide strikes and blockades also create disruptions in road transport, resulting in delays at key ports.
NETHERLANDS
- Berthing delays of 3 days experienced at Rotterdam port.
SPAIN
- Berthing delays of 3 days experienced at Barcelona port.
TURKEY
- Berthing delays of 1 day experienced at Istanbul port and 1 day at Izmir port.
UNITED KINGDOM
- Berthing delays of 1 day experienced at London Gateway port.
- Yard utilisation remains high.
For more detailed information on major ports in the region, please visit our website.
MIDDLE EAST AND INDIAN SUB-CONTINENT
Air Freight
Sea Freight
Strait of Hormuz Disruptions – Carrier Suspensions and Operational Impacts
On 4 March 2026, the 1,700 TEU container vessel Safeen Prestige was struck while transiting the Strait of Hormuz en route to Saudi Arabia. All crew were safely evacuated. As of this date, six tankers and one container vessel have been impacted in the region, contributing to significant operational disruption across Middle East trade lanes.
Carrier Operational Updates
- MSC
- Booking suspension for cargo to the Middle East region
- “End of Voyage” declared effective 3 March 2026
- US$800 per container surcharge to cover deviation costs
- War Risk Surcharge (WRS) from USA & Puerto Rico to Red Sea, Middle East & Gulf
- Emergency Fuel Surcharge (EFS) effective 1 April 2026 for services to/from USA
- Maersk
- Booking suspension to/from UAE, Oman, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia
- Exceptions for medicines, foodstuffs and critical goods
- Jeddah, King Abdullah (Saudi Arabia) and Salalah (Oman) currently operational (status under review)
- Emergency Freight Increase announced
- CMA CGM
- Booking suspension to Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, UAE, Saudi Arabia and Iraq
- Emergency Conflict Surcharge to/from multiple Middle East and Red Sea countries
- General Rate Increase (GRI) effective 2 April from USA to Middle East & Pakistan, and from USEC/Gulf to India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh
- Hapag-Lloyd
- Booking suspension to/from UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Iraq and Oman
- War Risk Surcharge (WRS) applicable to Gulf
- Contingency Surcharge (CSU) to/from Red Sea
- ONE
- Booking suspension to/from Persian Gulf
- Safe Port Discharge policy in effect (cargo may be discharged at nearest safe port)
- Change of Destination (COD) or return options available by arrangement
- Voyage Termination applicable if no arrangements made
- Emergency Surcharge (EMS) across all trade lanes to/from region
“End of Voyage” – Operational Implications
Where declared, “End of Voyage” constitutes a contractual reset due to extraordinary operational conditions. Cargo currently on the water may be diverted to the nearest safe port and discharged. Responsibility and associated costs (handling, storage, onward freight, customs formalities) revert to the cargo owner. New bookings are required for onward movement.
Shippers with cargo affected or destined for the region are advised to engage directly with carriers regarding diversion options or alternative routing.
Broader Market Impact
The situation remains fluid and may result in:
- Increased global fuel prices and additional bunker-related surcharges
- Approximately 138–147 container vessels (estimated 470,000+ TEU capacity) currently unable to operate as scheduled within the Gulf region, contributing to global equipment imbalance
- Potential congestion at transshipment hubs, including Colombo
- Possible suspension of Suez Canal routings with re-routing via the Cape of Good Hope, extending transit times
- Terminal congestion and potential demurrage for containers awaiting loading
- Upward pressure on freight rates in addition to emergency surcharges
Further updates will follow as additional carrier advisories are released.
INDIA
- Congestion delays of 1 day experienced at Nhava Sheva and 1 day at Chennai.
SRI LANKA
- Congestion delays of 1 day experienced at Colombo port.
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES & GULF REGION
- We refer to SACO Trade Advisories as issued on 1st, 2nd and 3rd March 2026. The situation in the Middle East and Gulf region is dynamic, with situational changes being announced by carriers on a frequent basis.
For more detailed information on major ports in the region, please visit our website.
ASIA PACIFIC (Including Oceania)
Air Freight
Sea Freight
Some congestion is being experienced in major Chinese ports; with some blanked sailings published by carriers. Indications that demand has increased and vessels are fully booked until at least end of week into Week 13.
Capacity may be constrained over the next few weeks, with unscheduled container transshipments not previously published on routes.
HONG KONG
- Berthing delay of 0 days experienced at this port.
NANSHA / GUANGZHOU
- Berthing delays of 1 day experienced at this port. Berthing delays may extend due to heavy congestion.
NINGBO
- Berthing delay of 2 days experienced at this port.
QINGDAO
- Berthing delays of 1 day experienced at this port.
SHANGHAI
- Berthing delays of 1 day experienced at this port
SHEKOU / SHENZHEN
- Berthing delays of 2 days experienced at Shekou and 0 days at Yantian ports.
XIAMEN
- Berthing delays of 1 day experienced at this port.
XINGANG / TIANJIN
- Berthing delay of 1 day experienced at this port.
SINGAPORE
- Berthing delays of 1 day being experienced at this port.
- LCL transshipment services through the SACO / Shipco network are moving on schedule – no delays.
- However, it is noted, that carriers are experiencing some backlog of container movements and therefore containers transshipping through Singapore are being handled on FIFO basis and container transshipment delays of up to 2 weeks are being reported.
KOREA
- Berthing delays of 3 days (KRPUS) and 2 days (KRBNP – New Port) experienced at Busan port.
TAIWAN
- Berthing delay of 2 days experienced at Kaohsiung and 1 day at Keelung ports.
THAILAND
- Berthing delay of 0 days experienced at Bangkok and 1 day at Laem Chabang ports.
For more detailed information on major ports in the region, please visit our website.
NEWS ARTICLES
Can We Have Our Boxes Back? Indian Shippers Seek Cargo Withdrawal as Port Congestion Builds
04/03/2026
Indian shippers and cargo agents are submitting a growing number of “back-to-town” requests to withdraw export containers already delivered into bonded port terminals and container yards, after vessel connections to the Middle East and transhipment hubs were suspended. The requests follow carriers’ suspension of services to multiple Gulf ports due to security-related operational concerns, leaving export cargo without confirmed sailings.
In shipping terms, “back-to-town” refers to the withdrawal of export cargo from customs-bonded facilities after it has entered the port supply chain. Industry sources indicate that retrieval requests largely involve perishable cargo at risk of spoilage, alongside concerns over storage costs and overstays at load ports. One European carrier confirmed receiving approximately 200 such requests, noting that exporters may redirect goods into domestic markets where possible.
India is a major agricultural exporter to Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, with agri-export trade to the region valued at over US$50 billion. Ongoing shipping suspensions, combined with emergency and war-risk surcharges imposed by major carriers, are increasing cost pressures. Ports and off-dock yards across India are reportedly congested with stranded export containers following a full suspension of Persian Gulf services. Maersk has confirmed suspension of new bookings between the Indian Subcontinent (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka) and Upper Gulf markets including UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Iraq, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia (Dammam and Jubail), and has also suspended acceptance of dangerous goods to and from Israel until further notice.
Non-vessel operating carriers (NVOs), which account for a significant share of capacity on the India–Middle East trade, have also suspended or declined bookings and are considering war-risk surcharges. UAE-based CargoGulf advised customers to expect delays, routing changes and extended transit times. In response to the disruption, Indian government officials have engaged exporters and industry bodies to assess mitigation measures, including calls for demurrage relief on stranded air freight cargo affected by wider transport disruptions. Source
Can We Have Our Boxes Back? Indian Shippers Seek Cargo Withdrawal as Port Congestion Builds
04/03/2026
Indian shippers and cargo agents are submitting a growing number of “back-to-town” requests to withdraw export containers already delivered into bonded port terminals and container yards, after vessel connections to the Middle East and transhipment hubs were suspended. The requests follow carriers’ suspension of services to multiple Gulf ports due to security-related operational concerns, leaving export cargo without confirmed sailings.
In shipping terms, “back-to-town” refers to the withdrawal of export cargo from customs-bonded facilities after it has entered the port supply chain. Industry sources indicate that retrieval requests largely involve perishable cargo at risk of spoilage, alongside concerns over storage costs and overstays at load ports. One European carrier confirmed receiving approximately 200 such requests, noting that exporters may redirect goods into domestic markets where possible.
India is a major agricultural exporter to Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, with agri-export trade to the region valued at over US$50 billion. Ongoing shipping suspensions, combined with emergency and war-risk surcharges imposed by major carriers, are increasing cost pressures. Ports and off-dock yards across India are reportedly congested with stranded export containers following a full suspension of Persian Gulf services. Maersk has confirmed suspension of new bookings between the Indian Subcontinent (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka) and Upper Gulf markets including UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Iraq, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia (Dammam and Jubail), and has also suspended acceptance of dangerous goods to and from Israel until further notice.
Non-vessel operating carriers (NVOs), which account for a significant share of capacity on the India–Middle East trade, have also suspended or declined bookings and are considering war-risk surcharges. UAE-based CargoGulf advised customers to expect delays, routing changes and extended transit times. In response to the disruption, Indian government officials have engaged exporters and industry bodies to assess mitigation measures, including calls for demurrage relief on stranded air freight cargo affected by wider transport disruptions.
SOURCES & REFERENCES
SACO CFR | Hapag Lloyd | Maersk | MSC | Transnet | The LoadStar Publications | gCaptain.com | Shipco Transport | Splash247.com | Freightnews | Seatrade Maritime News | Automotive Logistics | Lloyds List
Again, the Inter-Sped team is here for all freight and Logistics needs – We will always do our best for you and keep you posted on your shipments progress on an individual shipment level.
Thank you for choosing Inter-Sped.
JJ & The Inter-Sped Team
