Durban Port Drives Growth as Cape Town Ranks World's Worst

Durban’s port has emerged as one of the world’s most improved container terminals, strengthening KwaZulu‑Natal’s position as South Africa’s leading trade gateway and boosting prospects for economic growth and foreign investment.

By MBULELO BALOYI

Durban’s port has been recognised as one of the strongest turnaround success stories in global port operations, according to the latest Container Port Performance Index (CPPI) published by the World Bank and S&P Global Market Intelligence. The study measures how efficiently ports handle ships, focusing on vessel turnaround times and the balance between waiting periods and productive time at berth.

Cape Town Hits Rock Bottom 

In sharp contrast, the Port of Cape Town has again been ranked the worst‑performing container port among 400 ports assessed globally. Cape Town received a CPPI score of ‑302.6, placing it last in the global rankings. The report cites ongoing operational challenges, weather‑related disruptions, and infrastructure constraints as major factors behind the poor performance.

Durban’s Success Story

 Durban’s improvement is expected to benefit the eThekwini Municipality and the wider KwaZulu‑Natal economy by improving trade efficiency and lowering logistics costs. This turnaround strengthens the province’s attractiveness to international investors. As South Africa’s busiest container port, Durban handles the majority of the country’s containerised imports and exports, making reliable shipping schedules critical for manufacturers, exporters, and importers.

Richards Bay Complements Durban 

The gains at Durban are also expected to complement the operations of the Port of Richards Bay, Africa’s largest bulk export terminal. Richards Bay plays a vital role in exporting commodities such as coal, minerals, and other bulk cargo, making it a key contributor to South Africa’s export earnings and economic activity. Together, the ports of Durban and Richards Bay form a strategic logistics hub that supports industrial development, job creation, and investment across KwaZulu‑Natal.

Improved efficiency at these ports strengthens the province’s competitiveness and enhances South Africa’s reputation as a regional trade and investment destination. Industry observers say continued improvements in port operations will be essential for attracting foreign direct investment, which in turn will catalyse economic growth and ensure that businesses can compete effectively in global markets. TQ