Transnet Reports Surge In Cargo Volumes Across SA Ports

Transnet says its recovery strategy is beginning to deliver positive results, with vessel traffic and cargo volumes increasing across the country’s ports. The state-owned logistics group reported stronger activity at its ports during the 2025/26 financial year.

The company said vessel traffic rose by 9% year-on-year, reflecting improving operational conditions and greater efficiency within the port and rail network. Transnet Group Chief Executive Michelle Phillips said the latest figures point to growing operational momentum.

Transnet Port Recovery Drives Increase In Vessel Traffic

According to Transnet, the Transnet National Ports Authority recorded 8 630 vessel arrivals during the 2025/26 financial year. This marked an increase from the 7 912 vessel arrivals registered in the previous financial year.

The company described the rise in vessel calls as an important step in strengthening South Africa’s global trade competitiveness. Transnet said the gains were linked to ongoing recovery interventions aimed at improving efficiency across ports and rail operations.

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“The overall strong growth performance signal improved domestic economic landscape, including gains from the Transnet recovery initiatives and improvements in port and rail efficiencies,” Phillips said in a statement on Tuesday.

Cargo Volumes At South African Ports Show Strong Growth

The organisation said cargo throughput across TNPA’s eight commercial seaports climbed by 4.2% to around 304 million tonnes. The increase represents the strongest growth performance recorded since the 2011/12 financial year.

The company noted that three of the five main cargo categories recorded notable growth, while liquid bulk and breakbulk cargo are beginning to recover gradually. Automotive cargo volumes led the gains, rising by 13.3% during the reporting period.

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Container volumes also posted solid growth, increasing by 7.1% and exceeding annual targets by 3.6%. Transnet attributed much of this growth to a 22% surge in citrus fruit exports through the ports.

Durban And Cape Town Port Upgrades Gain Momentum

Dry bulk cargo volumes increased by 4.2%, supported mainly by export demand for chrome ore, magnetite and manganese. Phillips said the latest improvements show that Transnet’s recovery measures are producing measurable outcomes.

“This growth in vessel activity and cargo volumes signals that Transnet’s interventions are yielding measurable results,” said Phillips.

She added that the company remains focused on maintaining operational gains while accelerating infrastructure investment across the port system. Expansion projects at the Port of Durban are expected to increase container handling capacity, while upgrades at the Port of Cape Town aim to improve efficiency and ease congestion through container stack and truck staging improvements.