• Citrus exports via Transnet terminals up 19% in 2025
• R3.4B invested to boost port efficiency, new R4B plan underway
• Report cites major gains in vessel turnaround, crane operations

South African state logistics firm Transnet reported a surge in activity at its main container terminals for the citrus season ending in September 2025, with export volumes up 19% compared to the previous year.

The increase followed operational improvements across the network, leading to sharp rises in cargo handled at several key terminals: Durban Multi-Purpose Terminal (+131.6%), Durban Container Terminal Pier 2 (+28.8%), and Cape Town Container Terminal (+27.4%).

Transnet attributed the performance to enhanced terminal operational capacity over recent months. The port authority stated it had invested 3.4 billion rand (about $196 million) in equipment, including new handling machinery, during the last fiscal year. It is now executing a new 4 billion rand investment program covering the five main terminals in the current fiscal year.

Although South African platforms remained at the bottom of the "Container Port Performance Index" (CPPI) published in September 2025 by the World Bank and S&P Global, the report noted significant improvements in cargo handling and vessel turnaround times at the Cape Town, Durban, and Coega (Ngqura) complexes.

The CPPI report highlighted specific operational gains, stating: "Based on latest data provided by Transnet, between mid-2024 and August 2025, vessel anchorage in South African ports went down by about 75%, gross crane moves per hour improved by 13%, and ship working moves went up by 25%."

The report added that these targeted reforms and investments also helped South African ports manage the impact of the Red Sea disruption in 2024.

Henoc Dossa