Transnet Ports Worst Globally in CPPI Report, Yet Signs of Improvement Emerge

South African ports have ranked among the lowest globally in the latest Container Port Performance Index (CPPI) 2020–2024, reflecting years of operational challenges, prolonged vessel dwell times, and infrastructure constraints. Durban, the country’s largest container hub, recorded the lowest CPPI score in 2024 at -721, highlighting persistent inefficiencies at anchor and ongoing congestion.

Yet amid these challenges, there are clear signs of improvement. Cape Town and Ngqura (Coega) showed notable gains in the CPPI, supported by targeted modernization efforts including new cranes, predictive weather systems, improved container handling, and operational reforms. Early 2025 data suggests these measures are beginning to reduce anchorage times and increase crane productivity, signalling that Transnet’s investment and reform strategies may be starting to pay off.

The fifth edition of the Container Port Performance Index (CPPI) 2020–2024, jointly published by the World Bank and S&P Global Market Intelligence, provides a valuable benchmark of how global ports have navigated five turbulent years of disruption. For South Africa, the report’s findings mirror broader operational and financial pressures at Transnet, the state-owned entity responsible for managing the country’s ports.

A Difficult Five-Year Period

Between 2020 and 2023, South African ports consistently underperformed, with Durban, Cape Town, Gqeberha, and Ngqura ranking among the lowest globally. The CPPI data shows prolonged vessel dwell times, equipment shortages, and weather-related delays eroding efficiency. Durban, as the country’s primary container gateway, struggled most severely — by 2024 it recorded the lowest CPPI score globally (-721), largely due to extended waiting times at anchor.

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These challenges were compounded by the rerouting of Asia–Europe traffic via the Cape of Good Hope during the Red Sea crisis, which increased vessel volumes and exposed long-standing inefficiencies.

Transnet’s Role in Performance

As South Africa’s port operator, Transnet has been central to both the struggles and the emerging signs of recovery. Its well-documented equipment shortages and ageing infrastructure directly correlate with the “berth-side” constraints noted in the CPPI. In September 2025, Transnet signed a 10-year supply and maintenance agreement with Liebherr to modernise container handling equipment across key ports, a move designed to address this structural weakness.

In Cape Town, targeted investments in new cranes, predictive weather modelling, warehousing, and a helicopter pilot service have begun to pay dividends. The CPPI notes that Cape Town was among the top 20 global improvers between 2023 and 2024, gaining nearly 240 points. Ngqura also showed significant progress, improving by over 160 points in the same period.

Policy Shifts and Infrastructure Investment

The report’s findings align with broader reform efforts. The establishment of the National Logistics Crisis Committee in 2023 marked a more coordinated approach to operational challenges. In addition, government announcements in 2025 allowing private operators access to the freight rail network signal a shift toward easing the systemic constraints within Transnet’s broader logistics ecosystem.

At the port level, Transnet is working with private partners to expand capacity. The Richards Bay container facility, to be developed with Grindrod, is expected to quadruple annual throughput by 2027. Meanwhile, ongoing rehabilitation of Durban’s Bayhead Road and other access routes is aimed at reducing landside congestion, which remains a critical bottleneck.

Early Signs of Recovery

The CPPI highlights a modest recovery in 2024, with Cape Town and Ngqura leading improvements. Early 2025 data suggests this momentum may be continuing: vessel anchorage times have decreased by 75%, gross crane moves per hour are up by 13%, and total ship working moves have risen by 25%.

However, systemic issues remain. Transnet’s finances are still under strain — the company reported a reduced net loss in 2025 but remains heavily indebted. Sustained efficiency improvements will require consistent investment, further private-sector participation, and stronger governance.

The CPPI 2020–2024 underscores the difficult trajectory of South Africa’s ports but also highlights areas of resilience and adaptation. While Durban’s struggles remain acute, improvements at Cape Town and Ngqura demonstrate the impact of targeted investment and operational reform. For Transnet, the challenge is to translate short-term gains into long-term structural efficiency, positioning South Africa’s ports to support regional trade growth and withstand future global disruptions.