Containers are down by 6% this week; air cargo is up by 9%
Hello colleagues and interested parties
We are sharing the latest version of the cargo report for distribution.
The following highlights are worth noting:
1. Logistics Progress noted by Operation Vulindlela (OV) – more work to be done:
a. SA’s logistics system continues a gradual recovery from post-pandemic lows, with improving volumes in rail and ports alongside early gains from structural reforms.
b. OV feedback points to progress in Transnet restructuring, initial rail open access implementation, and the establishment of the Transport Economic Regulator, but highlights persistent gaps in PSP execution, tariff transparency, and data-sharing.
c.The priority now is disciplined execution: accelerating PSP, embedding transparent access frameworks, and strengthening coordinated, system-wide collaboration to convert reform momentum into measurable performance gains.
2. Strait of Hormuz/Iran crisis:
a. The Strait of Hormuz has shifted to a conditionally accessible corridor, with only ~35 vessels transiting under elevated risk, while at least 28 have been redirected and several remain delayed or effectively stranded in the Gulf.
b. Security conditions have deteriorated, with vessel seizures and attacks reinforcing a pattern of direct intervention and increasing militarisation. c. Carriers are adopting non-standard operating practices, including AIS suppression, signalling a breakdown in conventional maritime governance and a material tightening of effective shipping capacity.
