Good Day Clients & Partners,
And just like that, we’re into 2025 and have hit the ground running. We’ve had a busy season at Inter-Sped and would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your continued support!
Please find below the Freight & Logistics Update 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
Imports: Following the peak season high, rates are now settling down with further decreases expected as more airline cargo space becomes available.
Exports: Services ex ZA are all running smoothly
Sea Freight
Imports: South African Ports are experiencing congestion and delays due to equipment shortage / weather conditions.
Exports: Delays encountered at Durban port due to equipment shortages / weather conditions.
Road Freight
Local: Services running smoothly. Consolidations to all locations have reopened after the festive season closing, as truckers and transport teams gear up for 2025
Industry-wide update on Chinese or Lunar New Year
Celebrated this year from January 28 to February 4, is a time of increased activity and potential delays in the shipping and logistics industry. This period often sees heightened congestion before and after the holiday, as many businesses in China and other Asian countries shut down production for several weeks. Employees typically return home during this time, causing widespread closures across industries. To ensure your shipments are delivered on time and to avoid disruptions, we encourage you to connect with our team for assistance and planning ahead. Preparing now will help mitigate any potential delays during this busy season.
Port updates
DURBAN
The port has experienced low wind speeds during the week.
- Pier 1 : 5-7 days delay
- Pier 2 : 8-12 days delay
- Durban Point : 3 days delay
CAPE TOWN
The port has experienced strong wind speeds during the week.
- CTCT : 3-5 days delay
- MPT : 0-2 days delay
PORT ELIZABETH
The port has experienced windy weather during the week.
- PECT : 0-1 day delay
- NCT : 2-4 days delay
AFRICA & INDIAN OCEAN ISLANDS
East African ports continue to experience congestion. Export scheduling to the region is erratic at present resulting in multiple changes to published schedules.
Air Freight
Imports: All services running smoothly.
Exports: All services running smoothly. Air France is no longer servicing: Ougadougou, Burkina Faso, Bamako Mali, N’djamena, Niamey.
Cross Trade – Air: Rates and availability are slowly normalising as the airlines recover from the 2024 peak season.
Sea Freight
Imports: Port congestions continue & erratic sailing schedule.
Road Freight
Exports: Road Freight Consolidations to Zimbabwe, Malawi, Zambia, Angola and DRC have resumed.
Availability for dedicated cross border vehicles has also normalised as transporters gear up for 2025.
Mozambique remains closed as truckers hold back vehicles due to risk of riots and unrest at the border and in the capital.
Industry-wide update on Chinese or Lunar New Year
Celebrated this year from January 28 to February 4, is a time of increased activity and potential delays in the shipping and logistics industry. This period often sees heightened congestion before and after the holiday, as many businesses in China and other Asian countries shut down production for several weeks. Employees typically return home during this time, causing widespread closures across industries. To ensure your shipments are delivered on time and to avoid disruptions, we encourage you to connect with our team for assistance and planning ahead. Preparing now will help mitigate any potential delays during this busy season.
ANGOLA
- Berthing delays of 2 days experienced at Luanda port.
GHANA
- Berthing delay of 1 day experienced at Tema port.
IVORY COAST
- Berthing delays of 3 days experienced at Abidjan port.
KENYA
- Berthing delays of 8 days experienced at Mombasa port.
MAURITIUS
- Berthing delays of 6 days experienced at Port Louis.
MOZAMBIQUE
- Berthing delays of 3 days experienced at Maputo port.
NAMIBIA
- Berthing delays of 5 days experienced at Walvis Bay port.
NIGERIA
- Berthing delay of 1 day experienced at Apapa port.
SENEGAL
- Berthing delay of 1 day experienced at Dakar port.
TANZANIA
- Berthing delays of 3 days experienced at Dar es Salaam port.
NORTH AMERICA
Air Freight
Imports: All services running smoothly. Airline cargo space has become more readily available resulting in decreased freight rates.
Exports: All services running smoothly.
Sea Freight
Update on dockworker strike – A strike by longshoremen on the East and Gulf Coasts was averted after the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) reached a tentative six-year contract agreement. The deal addresses key issues, including automation, with a compromise allowing semi-automated technology while guaranteeing union jobs tied to new equipment. This agreement follows an earlier deal in October that resolved wage disputes and increased pay significantly. Both sides praised the agreement for preserving jobs, modernizing ports, and supporting the U.S. economy. Final approval depends on union member ratification, and details of the deal remain undisclosed. From CNN.
Imports: Port congestions continue & erratic sailing schedule
Exports: All services running smoothly. Majority of the shipping lines have implemented a BRC surcharge effective from 01/02/2025 from South African Ports to Indian Ocean Islands.
Industry-wide update on Chinese or Lunar New Year
Celebrated this year from January 28 to February 4, is a time of increased activity and potential delays in the shipping and logistics industry. This period often sees heightened congestion before and after the holiday, as many businesses in China and other Asian countries shut down production for several weeks. Employees typically return home during this time, causing widespread closures across industries. To ensure your shipments are delivered on time and to avoid disruptions, we encourage you to connect with our team for assistance and planning ahead. Preparing now will help mitigate any potential delays during this busy season.
CANADA
MONTREAL
- Berthing delays of 6 days experienced at this port.
TORONTO
- Berthing delays of 8 days experienced at this port.
VANCOUVER
- Berthing delays of 6 days experienced at this port.
USA
Terminals Updates:
- NEW YORK / NEW JERSEY – Vessel waiting time is up to 4 days. APMT – new cranes arrived and are in process of being commissioned.
- NORFOLK– Vessel waiting time is up to 5 days. One crane is out of service and is expected to be back working next month.
- CHARLESTON – Vessel waiting time is up to 8 days.
- SAVANNAH – Vessel waiting time is up to 5 days.
- MIAMI – Vessel waiting time is up to 7 days.
- HOUSTON – Vessel waiting time is up to 2 days.
- OAKLAND – Vessel waiting time is up to 3 days.
- LOS ANGELES/ LONG BEACH – Vessel waiting time is up to 2 days.
- SEATTLE – Vessel waiting time is up to 10 days.
Vessel Scheduling Amendments (Information below is correct at time of publication):
- MSC Meltemi III – with voyage 501N will perform a port swop between Port Elizabeth and Durban Pier 1 and therefore call Durban first.
- Maersk Vallvik – with voyage 451N will call Cape Town Multipurpose Terminal instead of Cape Town Container Terminal
LATIN AMERICA
Air Freight
Imports: All services running smoothly. More cargo space available resulting in decreased freight rates.
Exports: All services running smoothly.
Sea Freight
Imports: Vessel Scheduling Amendments (NB to note that these schedule amendments will impact both inbound and outbound cargo and container movements). Scheduling changes are announced by carriers with short notice.
Exports: All services running smoothly.
Industry-wide update on Chinese or Lunar New Year
Celebrated this year from January 28 to February 4, is a time of increased activity and potential delays in the shipping and logistics industry. This period often sees heightened congestion before and after the holiday, as many businesses in China and other Asian countries shut down production for several weeks. Employees typically return home during this time, causing widespread closures across industries. To ensure your shipments are delivered on time and to avoid disruptions, we encourage you to connect with our team for assistance and planning ahead. Preparing now will help mitigate any potential delays during this busy season.
ARGENTINA
- Berthing delays of 3 days experienced at Buenos Aires port.
BRAZIL
- Berthing delays of 8 days experienced at Santos port. Terminal working with only two piers.
MEXICO
- Berthing delays of 3 days experienced at Altamira and Manzanillo ports, and 5 days at Veracruz port.
NORTH WEST CONTINENT, UNITED KINGDOM, MEDITERRANEAN
Air Freight
Imports: All services running smoothly. More space available resulting in decreased freight rates following the peak season high.
Exports: All services running smoothly.
Sea Freight
Imports: Vessel schedule delays continue to impact the region. Amended port rotations and port omissions on the carrier services, as well as vessel changes, cascading / rolled schedules and blank sailings may result in amended LCL cargo loading schedules
Exports: All services running smoothly.
Industry-wide update on Chinese or Lunar New Year
Celebrated this year from January 28 to February 4, is a time of increased activity and potential delays in the shipping and logistics industry. This period often sees heightened congestion before and after the holiday, as many businesses in China and other Asian countries shut down production for several weeks. Employees typically return home during this time, causing widespread closures across industries. To ensure your shipments are delivered on time and to avoid disruptions, we encourage you to connect with our team for assistance and planning ahead. Preparing now will help mitigate any potential delays during this busy season.
BELGIUM
- Berthing delays of 5 days experienced at Antwerp port.
FRANCE
- Berthing delays of 4 days experienced at Le Havre port.
GERMANY
- Berthing delays of 4 days experienced at Hamburg port and 7 days at Bremerhaven port.
ITALY
- Berthing delays of 6 days experienced at Genova port and 9 days at La Spezia port.
NETHERLANDS
- Berthing delays of 3 days experienced at Rotterdam port.
SPAIN
- Berthing delays of 2 days experienced at Barcelona port. FCL containers transshipping in Algeciras have expected delays of 2 weeks due to port congestion.
SWEDEN
- Berthing delays of 5 days experienced at Gothenburg port.
TURKEY
- Berthing delays of 3 days experienced at Istanbul port.
UNITED KINGDOM
- Berthing delays of 7 days experienced at London Gateway port..
INDIAN SUB-CONTINENT & MIDDLE EAST
Air Freight
Imports: Services are running smoothly. In the Middle East however, airlines have suspended services to and from some countries/territories.
Exports: All services running smoothly.
Sea Freight
Imports: All services running smoothly.
Exports: All services running relatively smoothly.
Industry-wide update on Chinese or Lunar New Year
Celebrated this year from January 28 to February 4, is a time of increased activity and potential delays in the shipping and logistics industry. This period often sees heightened congestion before and after the holiday, as many businesses in China and other Asian countries shut down production for several weeks. Employees typically return home during this time, causing widespread closures across industries. To ensure your shipments are delivered on time and to avoid disruptions, we encourage you to connect with our team for assistance and planning ahead. Preparing now will help mitigate any potential delays during this busy season.
INDIA
- Berthing delay of 1 day experienced at Nhava Sheva and Chennai ports.
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
- Berthing delays of 2 days experienced at Jebel Ali port.
SRI LANKA
- Berthing delays of 2 days experienced at Colombo port. FCL containers transshipping in Colombo have expected delays of 2-3 weeks.
ASIA PACIFIC (Including Oceania)
Industry-wide update on Chinese or Lunar New Year
Celebrated this year from January 28 to February 4, is a time of increased activity and potential delays in the shipping and logistics industry. This period often sees heightened congestion before and after the holiday, as many businesses in China and other Asian countries shut down production for several weeks. Employees typically return home during this time, causing widespread closures across industries. To ensure your shipments are delivered on time and to avoid disruptions, we encourage you to connect with our team for assistance and planning ahead. Preparing now will help mitigate any potential delays during this busy season.
Air Freight
Imports: All services running smoothly. There is a decrease in rates following the peak season high as more cargo space is available. Space constraints however are likely to follow suit closer to Chinese New Year.
Exports: All services running smoothly.
Sea Freight
Imports: MSC announced Blank Sailing Week 6 from Trade Asia to South Africa. Space constraints are anticipated closer to and after Chinese New Year
Exports: All services running relatively smoothly.
HONG KONG
- Berthing delay of 1 day experienced at this port.
KOREA
- Berthing delays of 2 days experienced at Busan port.
MALAYSIA
- Berthing delay of 1 day experienced at Port Kelang. FCL containers transshipping in Tanjung Pelepas have expected delays of 1-2 weeks.
NANSHA
- Berthing delays of 2 days experienced at this port.
NINGBO
- Berthing delays of 2 days experienced at this port.
QINGDAO
- Berthing delays of 2 days experienced at this port.
SHANGHAI
- Berthing delays of 2 days experienced at this port.
SHEKOU / YANTIAN
- Berthing delays of 1 day experienced at Shekou port and 2 days at Yantian port.
XIAMEN
- Berthing delays of 2 days experienced at this port.
XINGANG
- Berthing delays of 2 days experienced at this port.
SINGAPORE
- Berthing delay of 1 day being experienced at this port. FCL containers transshipping in Singapore have expected delays of 1-2 weeks.
TAIWAN
- Berthing delay of 1 day experienced at Kaohsiung port.
THAILAND
- Berthing delays of 2 days experienced at Bangkok port.
VIETNAM
- Berthing delay of 1 day experienced at Ho Chi Minh and Hai Phong ports.
NEWS ARTICLES
Carriers plan for new US east coast port strike as contract deadline looms
02/01/2025
Negotiations between the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) are in a critical phase as the current master contract for dockworkers at US east and Gulf coast ports expires on January 15. Without a new agreement, a coast-wide strike is expected to begin on January 16. Although the parties agreed in September to a 62% wage increase, automation remains a major sticking point. Employers argue automation is vital for efficiency, while workers fear job losses. Talks are set to resume on January 7, leaving only eight days to prevent a strike. Shipping companies like Maersk are urging customers to clear containers before January 15 and are preparing contingency plans to address potential disruptions.
The impending strike could have widespread implications, including political involvement. With Donald Trump set to assume office as the 47th US president on January 20, some analysts predict he may side with the union to resolve the conflict. Shipping companies like Hapag-Lloyd are introducing surcharges starting January 20 to cover potential costs from delays and disruptions. The surcharges, $850 per container for imports, will apply to cargo gated-in on or after January 20 but will exclude containers already in transit. The next few weeks are critical as the industry braces for potential unrest and operational challenges. Source
Fuel EU sails in, charging a heavy price for vessel emissions – but who pays?
02/01/2025
The introduction of FuelEU in 2025 has imposed significant costs on shipowners for vessel emissions, with many carriers, such as Hapag-Lloyd, announcing plans to pass these expenses on to customers. Non-compliance with FuelEU comes at a hefty price, estimated at €2,400 per tonne of fuel, roughly triple the cost of very-low-sulphur fuel oil (VLSFO), with penalties increasing over time. The legislation incentivizes compliance through mechanisms like “pooling,” where high-emitting ships can be grouped with low-emission or methanol-fueled vessels to offset costs. For instance, pooling ten conventional ships with one methanol-fueled vessel could save up to €277 million over four years, outweighing the cost of building a greener ship. Industry leaders suggest shipowners and operators collaborate strategically, balancing biofuel adoption with pooling options to optimize costs and benefits.
Retrofitting vessels may also play a key role in reducing FuelEU costs, despite shipowners historically avoiding this due to long payback periods. However, escalating non-compliance penalties and constrained shipyard capacities, with new deliveries delayed until 2029 or later, make retrofitting more attractive. Innovations like rotor and suction sails and methanol retrofits, as seen with Maersk’s Halifax, are helping create “pool-able” vessels for substantial savings. While the best strategies—whether adopting biofuels or pooling surplus emissions credits—are still evolving, FuelEU presents both challenges and opportunities for the shipping industry to innovate and adapt. Source
Walvis Bay comes into play as MSC redesigns southern Africa network
02/01/2025
MSC, the world’s largest container shipping line, has announced a revamped southern Africa network after securing a 25-year concession to operate the New Container Terminal in Namibia’s Walvis Bay. The port will now serve as a major transshipment hub for southern African cargo, complementing Cape Town, which will continue as a partial hub for MSC’s Europe-South Africa service. The updated network will begin on January 20, with the southbound call of the 4,900 TEU MSC Rosaria at Walvis Bay. The new port rotation includes stops at London Gateway, Bremerhaven, Rotterdam, Antwerp, and other key locations before reaching Walvis Bay, Port Elizabeth, Durban, and Cape Town. MSC has deployed nine vessels averaging 7,900 TEU capacity on this service.
To support the shift, MSC is launching two feeder loops from Walvis Bay. The Namibia Express, a pendulum service between Walvis Bay and Cape Town with a three-day transit time, begins January 8, and the Mozambique Shuttle, relaunched on January 14, will connect Walvis Bay with ports including Maputo, Beira, and Mombasa. These changes aim to improve cargo handling efficiency, as Walvis Bay replaces South African terminals that have faced service challenges. MSC confirmed Walvis Bay will manage transshipment cargo for Europe-bound goods destined for Maputo and Beira, further leveraging the enhanced terminal capacity in Namibia. Source
Strong gains on the transpacific as US imports swell and GRIs begin to bite
03/01/2025
Container spot freight rates on key transpacific routes have surged at the start of 2025, driven by general rate increases (GRIs) and strong demand. Drewry’s World Container Index (WCI) shows a 7% weekly rise on the Shanghai-Los Angeles route, reaching $4,829 per 40ft, up 77% compared to early 2024. Similarly, the Shanghai-New York leg rose 6% to $6,445 per 40ft, 67% higher year-over-year. Analysts attribute these increases to potential labor strikes on US east and Gulf coasts and concerns over higher import duties under the new Trump administration. Further rate hikes are expected as carriers’ GRIs, ranging from $1,000 to $3,000 per 40ft, take full effect. Meanwhile, global container rates are up significantly, with WCI composite rates 46% higher than a year ago.
While transpacific rates have surged, Asia-Europe and transatlantic rates remain relatively steady. Spot rates on the Shanghai-Rotterdam and Shanghai-Genoa routes declined slightly or remained unchanged but are still 33% and 30% higher than last year. Transatlantic rates, like Rotterdam-New York, are up 81% year-over-year at $2,720 per 40ft. However, upcoming operational disruptions and the Chinese New Year holiday may escalate costs further. Carriers like CMA CGM and MSC are implementing peak season and emergency surcharges of $1,500 to $2,000 per 40ft on US-bound shipments, citing foreseen disruptions and network reorganizations. These developments indicate a challenging start to the year for shippers navigating high costs and potential delays. Source
Cape of Good Hope detours look set to continue until ‘August, at least’
03/01/2025
Container shipping lines are expected to continue routing vessels around the Cape of Good Hope instead of the Suez Canal until at least the latter half of 2025, according to Vespucci Maritime CEO Lars Jensen. He explained that network changes scheduled for February and March would temporarily disrupt service reliability, and carriers are unlikely to alter networks again so soon for a potential return to the Red Sea. Even if the Red Sea Crisis resolves, Jensen predicts carriers will maintain Cape routes for another six months to avoid repeating the costly disruptions experienced during earlier conflicts. Shippers also prefer the stability of the longer Cape route over the risks associated with Red Sea transit.
Concerns over safety and costs further deter shippers from using the Suez Canal. For instance, CMA CGM introduced an escorted Asia-Mediterranean Suez service, but many customers refused, citing fears of general average (GA) claims if vessels were attacked. A GA declaration, triggered by incidents like fires or fuel leaks, could result in expensive clean-up costs not covered by insurance due to the known risks in the Red Sea. However, Jensen noted that once the risks in the Red Sea are fully eliminated, competitive pressures will likely push one carrier to resume Suez transit, prompting others to follow for faster, cheaper shipping. Source
Red Sea Diversions Helped Container Shipping Dodge Overcapacity Crisis
02/01/2025
The container shipping industry narrowly avoided an overcapacity crisis in 2024, largely due to the Red Sea crisis, which forced ships to take longer routes around Africa’s Cape of Good Hope. Despite a significant 10.6% expansion of the global container fleet—adding nearly 3 million TEU—the additional capacity was absorbed by the Asia-Europe trade. These diversions accounted for 1.76 million TEU or 59% of the fleet growth, effectively mitigating surplus capacity and keeping idle tonnage rates exceptionally low at just 0.6% by the end of the year.
This crisis-induced adjustment highlighted the industry’s adaptability. While fleet capacity on the Asia-Europe route grew by 31% in 2024, the actual weekly capacity offered rose only 8.8%, demonstrating how the longer voyages consumed the extra supply. Alphaliner referred to 2024 as “the (first) year of the Red Sea crisis,” comparable to the lucrative COVID-19 years for shipping in 2021 and 2022. Even with continued delivery of new vessels, the industry has maintained a balanced capacity, defying earlier concerns about oversupply. Source
A Look Back at Maritime’s Biggest Stories of 2024
31/12/2024
2024 has been a transformative year for the maritime industry, marked by geopolitical tensions, environmental challenges, and technological advancements. Key highlights include:
- Red Sea Crisis: The Galaxy Leader hijacking by Houthi rebels highlighted growing instability, linking the crisis to broader Middle Eastern conflicts and causing economic and environmental repercussions, including a 60% drop in Suez Canal traffic.
- Russia’s Shadow Fleet: Russia’s clandestine network of ships evaded sanctions, enabling oil exports to allies like China and India. This fleet poses safety and environmental risks as Western sanctions escalate.
- South China Sea Tensions: China’s aggressive territorial claims intensified conflicts, threatening global trade routes and regional stability.
- Piracy Resurgence in Somalia: After a decade, Somali piracy reemerged due to reduced security measures, increasing risks for shipping in the Indian Ocean.
- Port Labor Disputes in the U.S.: Automation became a contentious issue as labor strikes disrupted port operations. The conflict remains unresolved, with further disruptions anticipated in 2025.
- Panama Canal Recovery: After a severe drought in 2023, the canal resumed operations, but climate vulnerabilities underscore the need for long-term water management.
- Baltic Sea Sabotage: Repeated attacks on underwater infrastructure by suspected Russian-linked entities fueled fears of hybrid warfare in the region.
- LNG’s Rise: Liquefied Natural Gas emerged as the leading alternative fuel for maritime vessels, despite concerns about long-term sustainability.
- Arctic Shipping Growth: Increased trade through Russia’s Northern Sea Route underscored the Arctic’s economic and strategic significance, with China and Russia deepening cooperation.
- Key Bridge Collapse in Baltimore: A catastrophic ship collision highlighted concerns over vessel maintenance and infrastructure resilience.
- Trump’s Re-election: The incoming U.S. president’s opposition to port automation and support for the Jones Act signaled potential trade disruptions and labor shifts in 2025.
Looking Ahead to 2025: Innovation, security, and sustainability are set to drive the maritime industry amid ongoing geopolitical and environmental challenges. Source
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
