Kuehne+Nagel aims to provide the most up-to-date port operational information so you can make more informed decisions for your cargo. Our weekly port update summarises events impacting global port operations this past week and what should be considered when planning future shipments.
Africa and the Middle East
Benin
Cotonou: The 7-day average vessel waiting time has improved this week from 4.5 to 2.33 days this week, a sign of easing port congestion.
Cameroon
Douala: Yard occupancy is high across imports, exports and empty containers at the port. The 7-day average vessel waiting time remains high this week at around 7 days. There are currently three vessels waiting outside the port, viz. MSC Gabriella, MSC Georgia II and Kota Dahlia.
Congo
Pointe Noire: Congestion has increased waiting times of 4.25 days for vessels calling the port.
Djibouti
Djibouti: Vessel waiting time has improved over the last weeks after a high of almost 10.5 days in early December. The 7-day average vessel waiting time is now around 4.5 days.
Egypt
Suez Canal: After several attacks on vessels in the Red Sea, carriers have re-routed ships around the Cape of Good Hope. Some diverted vessels have begun to arrive at their first destination ports. For a list of diverted vessels, refer to our updates on Sea News. For a visualisation of the affected vessels, register for Kuehne+Nagel's seaexplorer.
Israel
In light of the issues in the Red Sea, some carriers have stopped accepting bookings for Israel, while others are using alternate routing. The ports of Ashdod and Haifa are operating as usual.
Senegal
Dakar: The 7-day average vessel waiting time has increased from last week's 3 days to around 5 days this week. Shipments are accepted under direct delivery conditions.
South Africa
Transnet National Ports Authority has issued a bid for "Terminal Operators of Last Resort" for three years. The selected service providers are expected to bridge the gap created by suspended or terminated contracts with current service providers while Transnet goes through the process of selecting and appointing a new terminal operator.
Cape Town: The 7-day average vessel waiting time has increased to 7.5 days as the port battles high swells, winds and equipment issues.
Durban: According to Kuehne+Nagel's seaexplorer, there are currently 11 vessels waiting for a berth in Durban. The 7-day average vessel waiting time has improved to around 5 days this week as the port continues its recovery plan. Equipment challenges coupled with weather issues are resulting in lower productivity across all terminals.
Port Elizabeth: Due to weather and productivity challenges, the 7-day average vessel waiting time is around 3 days this week. According to Transnet's Recovery Plan published yesterday, two vessels are currently at anchor, with one berth being utilised.
Togo
Lome: The port had issues with its berthing system, delaying vessels last week. The 7-day average vessel waiting time is around 3 days.
Asia
China
Intermittent port closures due to winter weather in Central and Northern China have increased vessel waiting times to around 2 days.
Europe
Storms bringing high winds disrupted northern European and UK ports, making port operations difficult or impossible. Vessel waiting times are slightly elevated, and recovery is expected.
Rhine River: Due to heavy rainfall, the water levels in the Middle Rhine rose to the level of a 2-year flood and will continue to rise. As a result, delays and disruptions for the inland shipping are highly likely.
Greece
Piraeus: The 7-day average vessel waiting time is around 3 days. This applies mainly to vessels arriving outside their berthing window.
Turkey
Iskenderun: Pierside repair works are complete at the port, including container piers 3 and 4. Yard repairs are continuing. The 7-day average waiting time is around 5 days.
North America
USA
Severe winter storms have affected ports - New York/New Jersey, Baltimore, Norfolk, Savannah, Charleston, Jaxport - and road transport on the east coast of the US this week. Ports were closed yesterday afternoon, with reopenings planned for today. Flood warnings have been issued in some areas. Delays to containers on both land and waterside operations can be expected.
Houston: The 7-day average vessel waiting time is around 5 days this week. Vessel bunching is increasing yard congestion, impacting productivity and extending port stays. The number of waiting vessels at Houston anchor is five, viz. MSC Rida, Conti Makalu, CMA CGM Samson, CMA CGM Loire and Maersk Serangoon.
Canada
Vancouver: The 7-day average vessel waiting time has improved to 2 days in Vancouver this week. Carriers report an improvement in IPI dwell and rail operations.
Central and Latin America
Brazil
Manaus: Carriers report lifting draft restrictions for Manaus, and vessels are berthing on arrival.
Navegantes: Dredging operations are continuing at the port. Bad weather is causing some delays to vessel berthing.
Guatemala
Puerto Quetzal: High yard occupancy is creating delays at the port. The 7-day average vessel waiting time is around 3 days.
Mexico
Veracruz: Port closures last week due to strong winds have increased vessel waiting time to around 3 days this week.
Peru
Callao: Abnormal swells closed the port from 2 to 3 January. The 7-day average vessel waiting time is around 2 days.
Oceania
Australia
Negotiations between DP World and the Maritime Union Australia have escalated further this week. The union has extended strikes to 22 January, and the port operator has announced it would not pay workers on strike starting 12 January.
Sydney: The 7-day average vessel waiting time in Sydney has increased to 5 days this week. This is due to the industrial action at the DP World terminal and the strong winds, which impacted cargo operations at Patrick Terminal.
Melbourne: Besides the industrial action at the DP World Terminals, Patrick Terminals is facing delays due to congestion and labour shortage. No delays were reported for Victoria Terminal.
New Zealand
Auckland: Yard utilisation is at 73%. The berthing windows were significantly affected by delays to vessels offshore, including the industrial action in Australia. This is increasing pressure on berth availability and demand in Auckland. Possible congestion is expected in the run-up to public holidays in Auckland from 27-29 January and 6 February, creating two short working weeks. Rail and road services are running smoothly.
