Vessel Waiting Times Rose at South African Ports

Delays at Richards Bay and Saldanha reached new highs amid mounting pressure on national transport corridors.

Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Transportation

Vessel Waiting Times Rose at South African Ports

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Average vessel waiting times hit a 115-week peak at Richards Bay and neared record levels at Saldanha. The congestion follows a surge in traffic volumes and transit times across all major road corridors.

Why it matters

The persistent vessel queues could increasingly impact inland logistics and supply chain stability. These bottlenecks hinder the efficiency of South Africa's export network as transit times continue to grow.

Richards Bay vessel waiting times reached 7 days and 11 hours, a 115-week high, while Saldanha recorded 6 days and 20 hours. Meanwhile, average truck dwell time at Richards Bay climbed to 4 hours and 31 minutes, representing a 31% increase over monthly averages.

The players

Richards Bay

This is a primary port facility in South Africa experiencing record vessel waiting times.

Saldanha

This is a major South African port hub that recorded its second-highest vessel waiting time in 115 weeks.

The details

Six of eight road corridors are now classified as under pressure, with all eight routes reporting longer transit times and higher traffic volumes. Average time alongside for vessels has simultaneously declined at both ports, exacerbating the logistical strain.

Average vessel waiting times reached a 115-week high during the week ending 11 October 2026.
Truck dwell times increased 31% over the preceding month.
Saldanha port waiting times quadrupled over the previous four weeks.

Market Landscape

The rise in port delays marks a significant departure from the 115-week historical trend observed in local maritime logistics. This congestion forces a reassessment of supply chain reliance on these hubs as road corridors struggle to compensate for maritime inefficiency.

The increased dwell times and traffic congestion may result in slower delivery of goods and higher transport costs for businesses and consumers. Delays at major ports often ripple through the economy, potentially impacting the availability of essential retail products.

The takeaway

Logistical bottlenecks at major ports like Richards Bay and Saldanha highlight the vulnerability of South African supply chains to traffic volume surges. Businesses should monitor road corridor status closely to mitigate the risks of further transit delays.