In a recent announcement, A.P. Moller-Maersk A/S cautioned that severe weather conditions and a storm surge battering the South African coast are likely to cause significant shipping delays.
The South African Weather Service reports that an intense cold front has brought snow to certain regions of the country, resulting in damaging coastal winds, heavy rains, and high waves that threaten infrastructure. These high-speed winds are also posing navigational challenges in some offshore areas.
With an increase in vessels using the South African route to avoid attacks in the Red Sea, the impact of this disruption is being keenly felt in container shipping. Currently, about 690 vessels are navigating around the Cape of Good Hope.
Maersk’s statement on July 8 highlighted that these adverse conditions “will impact vessel movement and operations” along the South African coastline in the coming days, particularly between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth, where the most severe impacts are expected. The company noted, “Vessels are expected to seek shelter or alter their course to avoid the impacted areas, please expect delays over the next few days.”
Compounding the issue, South Africa’s state-owned logistics company Transnet SOC Ltd. is already grappling with performance issues at its ports. The company is seeking private investment and upgrading its equipment to handle extreme weather more effectively. Despite these efforts, South African harbors remain among the worst globally, according to a World Bank study, a ranking that Transnet disputes.