South Africa Deep-sea RoRo Ports Analysis 2021-2024

We are pleased to share an in-depth exploration of significant trends and shifts in roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) operations at key South African ports, including the strategic Maputo port along the East Coast. This analysis spans the transformative years from 2021 to 2024, offering insights into the adaptive and evolutionary changes that are shaping the future of RoRo shipping in the region. The comprehensive “South Africa RoRo Ports Analysis: 2021-2024” is available exclusively to our clients. Here is the executive summary.

Overall Activity in South Africa (2021-2024):

• The total deep-sea port calls in the region reached 2,076, with Durban accounting for 61% of these. MOL and Hoegh were the most active operators, comprising 43% of the total port calls.

Carrier Development (2021-2024):

• Durban recorded 1,271 port calls, with MOL and Hoegh as the dominant players. East London saw 349 calls, primarily managed by MOL and Glovis. Port Elizabeth had 434 calls, with Hoegh and Sallaum Lines as the main contributors, while Maputo (East Coast) saw 233 calls, with MOL and Hoegh as the key operators similar to Durban.

Berthing Time:

• In 2024, deep-sea RoRo vessels averaged 1.4 days in/out of ports in South Africa across 517 port calls. The high traffic and cargo volume in Durban, with 311 port calls — the most among the listed ports — likely contributes to its longer average port time of 1.7 days.

Port Waiting Time:

• The South Africa average waiting time generally follows the trend seen in Durban, given that Durban as a major hub and its highest traffic and variability heavily influence the regional average.

Europe to South Africa trade (2021-2024):

• Ten shipping lines completed 279 voyages between Europe and South Africa, with quarterly sailings fluctuating—peaking at the start and end of the year and dipping in Q3. Meanwhile, quarterly sailings on the Europe to West and East Africa routes gradually declined during the same period.

Far East to South Africa trade (2021-2024):

• Fifteen shipping lines completed 427 voyages, with quarterly sailings dropping until Q3 2023 before rising sharply in late 2024, signaling a resurgence. To West Africa, sailings declined from 2021 to 2023 but showed a sharp recovery in late 2024, while to East Africa, sailings steadily decreased throughout the period.

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