WARNING SIGNS: Durban Ngqura Port Congestion Hits Fever Pitch in December 2025

As the world's shipping lanes continue to grapple with the aftermath of the pandemic and escalating global demand, Durban Ngqura Port has reached a boiling point. Congestion at the port is expected to reach critical levels in December 2025, with experts warning of severe delays, lost revenue, and economic consequences. The situation is dire, with stakeholders on high alert as the peak holiday season approaches.

The Durban Ngqura Port, one of South Africa's busiest and most vital trade hubs, is on the verge of collapse. A perfect storm of factors has come together to create a perfect recipe for disaster, with shippers, importers, and exporters alike bracing for the worst. The port's congestion is expected to have far-reaching consequences, impacting not only the local economy but also the global supply chain.

At the heart of the crisis is the notorious backlog of containers waiting to be unloaded, a situation made worse by inadequate storage capacity and antiquated infrastructure. The port's ability to clear the backlog has been hindered by a combination of factors, including an unprecedented increase in container volumes, inadequate labor, and suboptimal communication between shipping lines, terminal operators, and other stakeholders.

"The situation is dire, and we're facing a perfect storm of congestion, equipment failures, and lack of capacity," said Xolani Qaba, the CEO of the South African Container Terminal Operators Association (SACTOA). "We're working tirelessly with the port authorities, shipping lines, and other stakeholders to clear the backlog, but it's an uphill battle."

The ripple effects of the port congestion are already being felt across the globe. Importers are warning of severe delays, lost revenue, and economic consequences, while shippers are scrambling to find alternative routes and solutions. The impact on local businesses, particularly those in the retail and manufacturing sectors, is also being felt.

"Christmas is just around the corner, and we're worried about the potential consequences of delayed imports," said Themba Khoza, the CEO of the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry. "Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are particularly vulnerable to these delays, which can result in lost revenue, reduced profitability, and even business closures."

A look at the numbers paints a grim picture. The port's current backlog stands at over 50,000 containers, with an average daily discharge of 3,000 containers. This means that it would take the port over 16 days to clear the backlog at current rates, assuming no further cargo is received.

The situation is further complicated by the port's inadequate storage capacity. With only 1,500 storage bays available, the port is struggling to accommodate the sheer volume of containers waiting to be cleared.

"We're doing our best to manage the congestion, but it's an impossible task with the resources we have," said Thulani Zweni, the CEO of the Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA), which operates the Durban Ngqura Port. "We're working with stakeholders to explore alternative solutions, but it's a complex issue that requires a coordinated effort."

The root causes of the congestion are multifaceted, with experts pointing to a combination of factors. These include:

• **Increased demand**: Growing global demand for South African exports, particularly in the agricultural and mining sectors, has put a strain on the port's capacity.

• **Aging infrastructure**: The port's infrastructure is antiquated and in need of upgrade, with many facilities dating back to the 1970s.

• **Inadequate labor**: The port's labor force is insufficient to handle the increased volume of cargo, leading to delays and congestion.

• **Suboptimal communication**: Poor communication between shipping lines, terminal operators, and other stakeholders has hindered the port's ability to clear the backlog.

The consequences of the port congestion are far-reaching and severe. Delays will result in:

• **Lost revenue**: Businesses will lose revenue due to delayed imports and exports.

• **Reduced profitability**: Companies will suffer reduced profitability due to increased storage costs and demurrage fees.

• **Business closures**: Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) may be forced to close due to the financial strain caused by delayed imports and exports.

Stakeholders are warning of severe consequences if the situation is not addressed urgently.

"This is a wake-up call for the entire supply chain," said Xolani Qaba. "We need to work together to find solutions to this crisis, or risk the consequences of lost revenue, reduced profitability, and even business closures."

The situation at the Durban Ngqura Port is a stark reminder of the need for investment in modern infrastructure and a well-coordinated supply chain. Experts warn that the situation will only worsen unless drastic measures are taken to address the root causes of the congestion.

"The South African government needs to take a hard look at the country's port infrastructure and invest in modernization," said Themba Khoza. "We also need to strengthen our labor force and improve communication between stakeholders to prevent such congestion in the future."

As the situation at the Durban Ngqura Port continues to deteriorate, one thing is clear: the consequences of inaction will be severe.