Inter-Sped Freight & Logistics Update 9 July 2025

Good Day Clients & Partners,

Please find below the Inter-Sped 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

Airfreight services mostly running smoothly. However there are some challenges with services into the Middle East and Sub-Saharan Africa which are discussed further under the reginal sections.

Sea Freight 

While terminal performance has improved in SA; vessel scheduling remains impacted by performance delays in Europe and other regions, therefore affecting scheduling on the African trades.

Durban

Terminal operations are performing as normal, with no delays or challenges being experienced. All IDMs are moving as scheduled.

• Pier 1 – 0 days waiting time
• Pier 2 (DCT) – 1-2 days waiting time
• Point – 0-2 days waiting time

 

Cape Town

Port operations have been relatively smooth with no congestion or delays being experienced. Seasonal, inclement weather and strong winds may impact port operations. Recent weather conditions has led to a delay in vessels berthing. Normal volumes of traffic and operations continue as per normal. IDMs are moving as scheduled.

• CTCT: 1 day waiting time
• MPT: 0 days waiting time

 

Port Elizabeth

Both ports continue to operate smoothly, with no congestion or delays experienced.

Seasonal, inclement weather and strong winds may impact port operations. Normal volumes of traffic and operations continue as per normal. IDMs are moving as scheduled.

• PECT: 1-2 days waiting time.
• NCT: 0-1 days waiting time – carrier service dependent.

 

AFRICA & INDIAN OCEAN ISLANDS

Air Freight

Most services running smoothly – with the exceptions of the following: 

• Ethiopian Airline have backlogs in Addis Ababa, Transit times to most destinations range between 3 & 7 days.
• For cargo destined to Bamako we have seen transit times as long as 15 days.  
• SA Airlink have backlogs into Tete and Blantyre with transit times ranging between  4 & 5 days
• Air France is no longer servicing: Ougadougou, Burkina Faso, Bamako Mali, N’djamena, Niamey

 

Sea Freight 

There are port delays across many ports in East and West Africa 

 

Port Updates

West Africa

ANGOLA

• Berthing delays of 3 days experienced at Luanda port.

 

GHANA

• Berthing delay of 1 day experienced at Tema port.
• Carriers have advised that there is bunching of off-window vessels.

 

IVORY COAST

• Berthing delay of 7 days experienced at Abidjan port.
• Severe yard congestions is causing slow operations and subsequent berthing delays.

 

NAMIBIA

• Berthing delay of 1 day experienced at Walvis Bay port.

 

NIGERIA

• Berthing delays of 1 day experienced at Apapa port and 1 day at Tincan.
• Indian Ocean Islands

 

MAURITIUS

• Berthing delay of 4 days experienced at Port Louis.
• Port Reunion (Reunion) is seeing 2-4 days waiting time, with scheduled maintenance planned.
• Toamasina (Madagascar) is seeing berthing delays of 2 days.

 

East Africa

 

MOZAMBIQUE

• Berthing delay of 2-3 days experienced at Maputo port and 4-6 days at Beira.

 

KENYA

• Berthing delays of 2-3 days experienced at Mombasa port.

 

TANZANIA

• Berthing delay of 1 day experienced at Dar es Salaam port. Berthing sequence is escalating the waiting time for vessels.
• Terminal gate and road is congested, resulting in further equipment movement delays.
• Adani terminal is undergoing maintenance works at the quay for the next 2 years.

 

NORTH AMERICA

Air Freight

Services running smoothly. 

Sea Freight

• Vessel rotation amendments, delays and schedule adjustments continue on this service.
• Last minute amendments to terminal cut off times may impact container loadings, while every effort is made to manage these adjustments and perform within carrier schedule changes.

Exports: Services are running relatively smoothly with minimal delays.

Port Updates

CANADA

• Canada / SA services are currently routing over European hubs. 
• Delays and extended lead times may be experienced due to the ongoing congestion in European ports.
• For all Canada routings, both imports and exports moving over Europe; ICS2 filing is required.

Montreal

• Berthing delays of 2 days experienced at this port.
• Yard utilization is at 59%, with vessel productivity remaining high. European vessels continue to operate off schedule due to ongoing delays from origin ports.
• There continues to be a steady and reliable supply of railcars and therefore import rail dwell time is steady.

Toronto

• Berthing delays of 6 days experienced at this port.

Vancouver

• Berthing delay of 1 day experienced at this port.
• Yard utilization has remained steady at 82%. There are currently no berth delays. The average import rail dwell time is 3.6 days, supported by steady rail production.

 

USA

• Vessel rotation amendments, delays and schedule adjustments continue on this service.
• Last minute amendments to terminal cut off times may impact container loadings, while every effort is made to manage these adjustments and perform within carrier schedule changes.

 

Terminals Updates:

NEW YORK / NEW JERSEY

• Average vessel waiting time in New York terminals is at 1-3 days.
• Average import rail dwell time is 1 day. .
• At APMT, the final new crane on the East Berth is expected to be operational by the end of summer.
• APMT New York is currently facing high demand for gate appointments and may be unable to accommodate all requests—particularly on vessel cut-off days. Customers are encouraged to deliver export cargo within the first few days after the terminal begins accepting freight for a specific vessel, when appointment availability is typically higher.

NORFOLK

• Vessel waiting time at 3 days.
• Average import dwell time is 2.8 days.

CHARLESTON

• Average vessel waiting time for Charleston terminals is 3 days.
• Average import dwell time is at 3 hours at North Charleston terminal and 6 hours at Wando Welch terminal.

LOS ANGELES/ LONG BEACH

• Vessel waiting time is up to 1 day for Los Angeles and 3 days for Long Beach.

 

SOUTH AMERICA

Air Freight

Services running smoothly 

Sea Freight 

There are port delays across the region.

Port Updates

ARGENTINA – Buenos Aires

• Berthing delays of 9 days experienced at Buenos Aires port.
• Reports of increased congestion and vessel delays in Buenos Aires. Groupage operator routings move over Europe and therefore lead times may be increased due to delays in both the Argentinian ports and Europe ports.

 

BRAZIL – Santos

• Berthing delay of 2 days experienced at Santos port.

 

MEXICO

Altimera

• Berthing delays of 3 days experienced at Altamira port.
• Port closure experienced due to adverse weather conditions.

Veracruz

• Berthing delays of 2 days.

Manzanillo

• Berthing delays of 4 days.
• Please note that terminal operations in Manzanillo, Mexico are currently facing disruption due to an ongoing labour shortage. Vessels are experiencing waiting times of up to four days for a berth. As a result, Lázaro Cárdenas is also impacted by increased volume, leading to further congestion.
• Terminal working on FIFO mode.

 

NORTH WEST CONTINENT, UNITED KINGDOM, MEDITERRANEAN

Air Freight

Services running smoothly.

Sea Freight

• Ports and terminals in UK and Northern Europe continue to experience high levels of congestion and delays continue out of these regions.
• All cargo moving via European ports is impacted by extended transit and therefore lead times will increase. 
• This includes transshipment services for LCL cargo as well as container transshipment hubs of Algeciras and Las Palmas.
• Rotterdam, Antwerp and London Gateway are the most severely impacted.

 

Port Updates

BELGIUM

• Berthing delays of 4 days experienced at Antwerp port.

 

FRANCE

• Berthing delays of 3 day experienced at Le Havre port.

 

GERMANY

• Berthing delays of 3 days experienced at Hamburg and 2 days at Bremerhaven. 
• A temporary suspension of rail access to the western part of the Port of Hamburg due to infrastructure work related to the “A26 West” construction project. From Friday, July 4, 2025 at 07:00 hrs until Tuesday, July 8, 2025 at 07:00 hrs, the rail connection between inland terminals and container terminals CTA, CTB, and CTH will be completely closed.

 

ITALY

• Berthing delays of 3 days experienced at Genova and 2 days delay at La Spezia port.

 

NETHERLANDS

• Berthing delays of 2 days experienced at Rotterdam port.

 

SPAIN

• Berthing delays of 2 days experienced at Barcelona port.

 

TURKEY

• Berthing delays of 3 days experienced at Istanbul port and 4 days at Izmir port.

 

UNITED KINGDOM

• Berthing delays of 0-1 days experienced at London Gateway port.

 

MIDDLE EAST AND INDIAN SUB-CONTINENT

Air Freight

• Freight movements in and out of the Indian Sub-continent are running smoothly.

• Airfreight services in the Middle East have mostly resumed, there are still major backlogs which will take time to clear.

• Emirates have suspended their services into Amman, Beirut, Erbil & Tehran until further notice

 

Sea Freight

Most services are running relatively smoothly.

 

Port Updates

INDIA

• Berthing delays of 1 day experienced at Nhava Sheva and Chennai ports.

 

SRI LANKA

• Berthing delay of 1 days experienced at Colombo port. FCL containers transshipping in Colombo have expected delays of 1-2 weeks.

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

• Berthing delays of 2 days experienced at Jebel Ali. Operational stoppages due to crane breakdowns resulting from high summer temperature. Productivity drop between 5-10%.

 

ISRAEL

• Berthing delays of 3 days at Ashdod port and 9 days at Haifa.

 

ASIA PACIFIC (Including Oceania)

Air Freight

Services running smoothly.

Sea Freight

Port congestion and capacity constraints in China are causing major shipping delays and driving up costs, with global supply chains feeling the impact. A spike in container bookings—especially from China—is overwhelming key ports, leading to equipment shortages and restricted container availability as well as rising freight rates.

Key factors behind the backlog:

1. Increased cargo demand Ex-China coupled with some carriers redeploying  larger vessels onto major routes has caused capacity reductions on smaller trade lanes like those running between The Far East and Southern Africa.
2. Vessel Drydocking: Ships are being temporarily removed from service to comply with new emission regulations
3. Increased Demand in South Africa: There’s been a sharp rise in cargo volume from China to South Africa, further straining available space.

 

Port Updates

HONG KONG

• Berthing delay of 1 day experienced at this port.

 

NANSHA

• Berthing delay of 1 day experienced at this port.

 

NINGBO

• Berthing delay of 1 day experienced at this port. Vessel bunching continues to be experienced and varies by terminal.

 

QINGDAO

• Berthing delays of 2 days experienced at this port. Vessel bunching and congestion being experienced.

 

SHANGHAI

• Berthing delay of 1 day experienced at this port. Heavy vessel bunching and congestion being experienced.

 

SHEKOU / YANTIAN

• Berthing delay of 1 day experienced at both Shekou and Yantian ports.

 

XIAMEN

• Berthing delays of 2 days 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. Vessel bunching and congestion being experienced.
• Container transshipments through Singapore may see 1-2 weeks delay.
• However, LCL cargo moving through our Singapore hub is not experiencing any delays outside of carrier activity and cargo transshipment is moving timeously.

 

KOREA

• Berthing delay of 1 day experienced at Busan port. Bunching of mega vessels experienced.

 

TAIWAN

• Berthing delay of 1 day experienced at Kaohsiung port.

 

THAILAND

• Berthing delay of 1 day experienced at Bangkok and Laem Chabang ports.

 

NEWS ARTICLES

Transnet new tarrif effective from 1st July 2025

Please be informed that Transnet Port Terminals (TPT) will implement the new Carbon Emission Reduction tariff from the  1st of July 2025.

This tariff is part of TPT’s commitment to environmental sustainability and aims to reduce carbon emissions at all Container Terminals in Durban, Western Cape, and Eastern Cape.

The new tariff will apply to all import and export containers delivered to Container Terminals via road, with a fee of R15 for a 20ft container and R25 for a 40ft container.

Deployment of new RTGs at PoCT speeded up

03/07/2025

Cape Town Container Terminal (CTCT) is nearing completion of the commissioning process for nine new rubber-tyred gantry (RTG) cranes supplied by Liebherr. The crane components arrived in May, and sources indicate the equipment may be operational as early as this week. Although commissioning and assembly typically take several weeks, the process has been accelerated through collaboration between Liebherr Africa and Transnet Port Terminals (TPT), highlighting the urgency to improve port efficiency and capacity. A second shipment of RTG components is also en route, with the BBC Peru vessel expected to dock at CTCT shortly, weather permitting.

Despite persistent weather challenges affecting port operations, stakeholders remain cautiously optimistic about improvements in container throughput. According to the latest Container Movement Update (CMU) by the South African Association of Freight Forwarders (Saaff), recent weeks have shown notable progress. Nationally, ports handled over 97,000 and 87,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) for the weeks ending June 22 and 29 respectively — surpassing targets by 13% and 2%. The Port of Ngqura, in particular, is preparing to welcome the MSC Nicola Mastro, the first ultra-large container vessel to visit South African shores.

At CTCT, the new RTGs are expected to gradually replace older units, many of which are prone to breakdowns. Once fully operational, the RTG fleet should increase from approximately 19–22 machines to a more robust and weather-resilient configuration. The new cranes are designed to withstand wind conditions of up to 90 km/h due to advanced anti-sway technology, a significant improvement over the 70 km/h limit of older models. TPT is expected to release an official statement regarding these developments soon. Source

ULCV successfully docks at Ngqura, makes history

03/07/2025

The Port of Ngqura recently marked a significant milestone in South Africa’s maritime sector with the successful docking of the MSC Nicola Mastro, one of the largest container vessels in the world. With a capacity of 24,116 TEU and a length of approximately 400 metres, the ultra-large container vessel (ULCV) arrived at the port on 3 July. This event highlights the country’s ability to accommodate new-generation ships, showcasing the capability and readiness of local port infrastructure.

The berthing operation required a four-tug manoeuvre—double the standard number—demonstrating the adaptability and strength of the port’s marine support systems. The operation was carried out by a skilled team of around 24 maritime professionals, led by marine pilot Olwethu Mtsewu-Sisilana. As one of Transnet National Ports Authority’s (TNPA) open-licensed pilots, she played a key role in managing the docking of the vessel, which exceeds the dimensions of any ship previously accommodated at the port.

Industry stakeholders, including the South African Association of Freight Forwarders (Saaff), have welcomed the arrival of the Nicola Mastro as a landmark achievement. TNPA noted that the deep-water capabilities of the Port of Ngqura, with berths reaching up to 18 metres, position it as a strategic hub for container transshipment within both regional and global trade networks. The successful berthing of a vessel of this scale underscores South Africa’s growing presence in international shipping and its potential to support evolving trade demands. Source

SA in bid to ban port worker strikes

04/07/2025

The Department of Labour has announced the expansion of its list of essential services to include critical port operations, effectively prohibiting strikes by specific categories of Transnet employees. Newly classified essential services include marine functions such as navigation, pilotage, towage, and berthing, as well as the handling of hazardous cargo like explosives, flammable materials, and pharmaceuticals. This directive aligns with broader logistics reforms under President Cyril Ramaphosa’s administration, which aim to improve efficiency and attract private investment in South Africa’s port and rail infrastructure.

Transport Minister Barbara Creecy has initiated steps to explore greater private sector participation, with a request for information issued earlier this year focusing on key corridors such as the Northern Cape to Saldanha bulk minerals route. These developments come amid the backdrop of ongoing concerns about labour disruptions within Transnet. Notably, a major strike in October 2022 brought rail and port operations to a standstill, with the economy experiencing losses estimated at R65.3 billion and significant freight backlogs across the supply chain.

In addition to port services, the updated regulations also designate essential functions in other sectors, including Border Management Agency activities at ports of entry, civilian defence services supporting the national defence force, bulk services for power generation, and critical IT infrastructure managed by the State Information Technology Agency. Primary healthcare services at universities have also been included. Public hearings on these changes are scheduled for August, providing an opportunity for stakeholders to engage with the proposed classifications.Source

New regulation delays exports going to Lesotho

04/07/2025

Export shipments to Lesotho have experienced delays following the recent enforcement of a regulation requiring all foreign suppliers to obtain a Tax Identification Number (TIN) for customs declarations. Although the requirement was announced in 2023, it was postponed several times due to system misalignments with Asycuda, the automated customs data platform used by the Southern African Customs Union. As of Tuesday, however, Lesotho’s Revenue Services (RSL) confirmed full implementation, with TIN registration only permitted through agents registered with the Agents of Foreign Firms Association of Lesotho (Affal).

According to RSL, declaration delays are primarily due to non-compliance and incomplete exemption applications. Exporters were previously given a window to appoint local agents or apply for exemption from the TIN requirement, but not all acted in time. RSL clarified that even if a supplier has an agent, that agent must formally register the supplier-agent relationship with RSL to avoid blockage of declarations. Manual processing of late exemption applications is ongoing and reportedly progressing smoothly.

Despite the initial disruptions, key border crossings such as Maseru Bridge remain operational, with no major bottlenecks reported. Goods are permitted to cross into Lesotho only once the customs declaration has been properly processed and a proceed-to-border notification issued. Industry stakeholders are advised to ensure full compliance with the new requirements to avoid future delays in the movement of cargo into the country. Source

White House tariff deadline looms large on liner agenda

03/07/2025

Trade discussions and tariff policies are once again prominent in shipping news as the White House approaches the July 9 deadline for the expiration of its pause on reciprocal tariffs implemented in April. The administration aims to finalize negotiations with its ten largest trade partners shortly after July 4, with the possibility of setting unilateral tariff rates for other countries thereafter. Recently, former President Donald Trump announced on social media a tentative trade agreement with Vietnam, reportedly lowering tariffs on Vietnamese goods entering the U.S. to 20% from 46%, while imposing a 40% tariff on goods transshipped through Vietnam, a measure intended to address concerns about Chinese exports routed via Vietnam. Vietnam is expected to reciprocate by eliminating tariffs on U.S. products.

In the meantime, Maersk has calculated that the current effective average tariff rate on U.S. imports stands at approximately 21% per container load, a significant reduction from the peak average rate of 54% seen shortly after the tariff pause began in April. Globally, container volumes grew by 4% year-on-year in the first half of 2025, though experts such as Clarksons Research and HSBC caution that the second half of the year may face challenges due to fluctuating demand, tariff uncertainties, and shifts in seasonal cargo patterns. HSBC projects a potential structural downcycle in the container shipping sector, influenced by the end of frontloading related to tariff pauses and possibly softer demand in the months ahead. Source

Asia-Europe Schedule Reliability Defies European Port Congestion

01/07/2025

Despite ongoing concerns about port congestion in Northern Europe, container shipping lines improved their schedule reliability to the region in May. Data from Sea-Intelligence Consulting shows that 66.8% of vessels on the Asia-North Europe trade route arrived on time—a 12.4% increase from April and an 18% improvement year-on-year. Among carrier alliances, Gemini led with 85.4% reliability, followed by Ocean Alliance (68.8%), MSC (68.7%), and Premier Alliance at 35%, which nevertheless improved from 21.1% the previous month. Additionally, port omissions at key hubs including Antwerp, Rotterdam, Bremerhaven, Hamburg, and Le Havre declined from 13% in February and March to 7% in May, signaling either strategic adjustments by carriers or temporary removal of ports from rotations.

Terminal yard utilization remains high across Northern European ports, with several Antwerp terminals operating above 90%, and Rotterdam, Bremerhaven, and Hamburg between 80% and 85%. Industry experts note that congestion typically begins when utilization exceeds 75%. With a scheduled full rail shutdown at Hamburg terminals from 4 to 8 July, congestion levels in German ports are expected to increase in the coming weeks, posing further operational challenges for shipping and freight handling.

Looking beyond Northern Europe, schedule reliability on the Asia-Mediterranean trade route also showed variation, with Gemini again the most reliable at 79.3%, followed by MSC (73.4%), Premier Alliance (48%), and Ocean Alliance lagging at 30%. Across global deepsea networks, Gemini achieved an 88.4% on-time arrival rate, with MSC at 77.9%, and Ocean and Premier Alliances at 57.4% and 52.7% respectively. On the volatile transpacific eastbound trade to the US West Coast, Gemini maintained a strong 98.5% reliability, while MSC, Ocean, and Premier alliances ranged between 50% and 65%. US carrier Matson continued to lead with a perfect 100% schedule reliability. Source

Carrier cancels calls to Israeli port amid ongoing tension

24/06/2025

Maersk has announced a temporary suspension of its services to the Port of Haifa, Israel, following a careful assessment of risk reports related to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran. Despite recent announcements of a ceasefire, the carrier cited concerns over crew safety and the potential risks associated with calling at specific Israeli ports. As a result, Maersk has also suspended cargo acceptance for Haifa, with the duration of the suspension yet to be determined.

The escalation of regional tensions has also influenced container freight rates, with Drewry’s World Container Index showing an increase in rates from Shanghai to Rotterdam—from $2,825 on 12 June to $3,171 by 19 June—reflecting the broader impact of geopolitical uncertainties on shipping costs. Source

Hormuz tension triggers surge in war-risk insurance premiums

25/06/2025

Conflict insurance premiums for vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz have risen significantly in recent weeks, despite the current ceasefire between Israel and Iran. This increase reflects ongoing concerns among insurers and shipping companies about the potential for renewed conflict in this strategically important waterway, which connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and handles about one-fifth of global oil shipments. According to logistics firm Bertling, war-risk surcharges on cargo passing through the strait have grown sharply, with insurance costs rising from around 0.125% of a vessel’s value to between 0.2% and 0.4%, and reaching as high as 0.7% for vessels linked to the United States and its allies.

The escalation follows recent US airstrikes on Iranian military sites in late June and subsequent warnings from Iran’s parliament, including threats to disrupt commercial shipping. Although the ceasefire offers temporary respite, insurers continue to factor in the risk of further instability, leading some shipping lines to alter routes or introduce surcharges. Industry experts caution that any disruption in the Strait of Hormuz could have broad impacts on global trade and energy markets, particularly amid ongoing tensions between Iran and Western nations. The rise in war-risk premiums adds financial pressure on maritime operators and may contribute to higher freight costs worldwide, especially for oil and gas shipments from the Gulf region. Source

Shipping alliances and MSC dominate over 80% of container market

30/06/2025

The global container shipping industry continues to consolidate, with the latest data showing that shipping alliances, together with Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), now control over 80% of the world’s container capacity. According to maritime consultancy Alphaliner, carriers within formal alliances collectively hold 82.1% market share, while MSC—operating independently—accounts for 20.6% of global capacity. Although MSC is not formally part of any alliance, its size and reach position it as a major influence alongside alliance groupings.

The current alliance landscape is dominated by three main partnerships: the Gemini Cooperation between Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd, holding 21.6% market share; the Ocean Alliance, comprising CMA CGM, COSCO, Evergreen, and OOCL, with 28.4% share; and the Premier Alliance, which includes ONE, HMM, and Yang Ming, at 11.5%. These alliances play critical roles across major trade lanes, including east-west and trans-Pacific routes, supported by investments in fleet renewal and digitalisation. Meanwhile, non-alliance carriers now represent less than 18% of global capacity, reflecting increasing market concentration.

This growing consolidation offers operational efficiencies and network stability, but it also raises concerns among shippers and regulators about competition, service quality, and freight rate volatility. As alliances and MSC collectively control the majority of container capacity, independent carriers may face challenges competing on key routes. The future of the industry will depend on how these major players balance commercial objectives with commitments to service reliability and environmental sustainability. 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