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South African Ports Hit Record Cargo Volumes Despite Ongoing Struggles

Container ships at Ghana port with cargo containers and cranes.
Ghana port's container terminal with cargo ships, cranes, and stacked containers, highlighting trade and economic activity in West Africa.

South Africa’s container ports hit a milestone in August, moving 18,689 TEUs (Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units) in a single day—the highest daily volume since the pandemic. This record, reported by the Southern African Association of Freight Forwarders (SAAFF), highlights a notable improvement in port operations despite ongoing infrastructure and capacity challenges. For years, aging equipment and limited handling capacity have caused delays and increased costs for shippers. However, recent investments in new equipment and process optimizations are starting to yield results. SAAFF’s CEO credited collective efforts from industry partners with helping stabilize operations. The record volume signals resilience, but sustained investment and efficiency gains will be crucial for future success.

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