In response to growing concerns over shipping delays and congestion at Cape Town's container terminal, global shipping leader Maersk has issued a clarification on its position regarding the inclusion of Cape Town on its schedules.

Contrary to recent reports suggesting the removal of Cape Town as a port of call due to severe delays, Maersk has asserted that it remains committed to servicing the South African port. Adhish Alawani, Media Relations Manager for the Indian Subcontinent, Middle East & Africa, stated, "I just wanted to clarify that we have not removed Cape Town from our services. In fact, we have started a weekly feeder service from and to Cape Town, so we do not compromise our customers’ requirements from Cape Town."

Despite Maersk's reassurance, logistics service providers are exploring alternative shipping options, considering the utilization of Walvis Bay in Namibia for Namibian and Orange River grape shipments. This move comes in the wake of reports that specialized reefers will load grapes from Namibia and the Orange River, alongside South African stonefruit, for weekly shipments to the UK and Europe from Cape Town's main port.

The decision to explore alternative routes indicates a lack of optimism within the South African export industry regarding swift resolutions to the challenges faced by the country's container terminals.

Maersk's formal statement emphasizes the importance of South Africa as a crucial market and strategic operational location. "We are committed to serving our customers here in the best way possible and supporting the economy by enabling global trade," said Alawani.

The statement sheds light on the challenges posed by longer waiting times at ports, leading to increased operational costs. Maersk acknowledges collaboration with authorities and the broader ecosystem to find optimal solutions. The shipping giant has initiated a weekly service from Cape Town, facilitating cargo movement and ensuring connectivity to global trade routes through transshipment.

South Africa's port crisis has escalated, with reports indicating thousands of containers stranded on ships at Durban harbor. Transnet, the state-owned entity, disclosed that over 60 ships are anchored at the Port of Durban, with an estimated 7-15 weeks required to clear the vessels. Notably, 20 of the 63 ships destined for Durban were intended for Durban Container Terminals (DCT) Pier 1 and Pier 2. The situation underscores the urgent need for collaborative efforts to address the congestion challenges faced by South Africa's vital ports.

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