Transnet, the operator that owns and operates 16 terminals in seven South African ports, has declared force majeure at the port due to a mass strike by workers. The shipping company informed that all docks and railways were effectively at a standstill and announced a suspension of booking.

It is reported that the South African National Transport Union (UNTU) from October 6 began an indefinite strike, and the South African Transport and United Workers Union (SATAWU) members on October 10 also joined the strike.

Transnet said in a website update that the strike-related staffing shortages were affecting waterfront and landside operations at the South African port of Durban, one of the continent's busiest, which handles 65 percent of South Africa's container volume.

The South African Ship Operators and Agency Association CEO said that the port currently has a large backlog of containers, due to the strike, has not yet been processed.

The Business Alliance of South Africa (BUSA) said that "the strike could have a devastating impact on South Africa's economy." The strike comes at a time of South Africa's energy crisis, which has left the country without electricity for up to nine hours a day.

Data the South African Freight Forwarders Association (SAAFF) shows that logistics delays have caused South Africa to lose 0.1 billion to 1 billion rand (about 0.548 billion US dollars) in daily economic losses. The association said that "the impact of a one-day strike at the port will take at least 10 days to repair after resuming operations".

Shipping Company has informed the customer to find an alternative solution. Maersk announced its service adjustment plan on the 12th. In light of the service disruption, Maersk said it would have to divert two services to ports outside South Africa, and its partners have decided to Democrat the Northern 241W to skip the Port of Durban and head to the Port of Luanda. The import containers will be unloaded at the port of Luanda and returned to the port of Durban via Lodur 243W, which is expected to arrive on 30 October. Export containers planned to be loaded from the Port of Durban will be transferred to Lodur 243W.

Maersk said all new dry box bookings were suspended at all ports in South Africa. It also warned that imported goods "may face long delays" and will be exempted from the export charge (COD) that requires a change of destination. For bookings that need to be transferred or canceled due to the direct impact of the strike, no modification fees and fines will be charged (and no compensation will be paid).

Hapg-Lloyat on the South African strike in the latest notice, said that every day a large number of container cargo through South African ports, the closure of these ports will have a significant impact on the already strained supply chain.

Hapg-Lloth said that it is expected that the strike will have an impact on its local business, taking into account this, from October 6, 2022, Hapg-Lloth will be in all types of container contract free stay time on top of the additional 7 days of free stay time.

In addition, Hapg-Lloth provided a list of ships that may be affected by the current strike and their operating status (as of October 13).

Source: Search Air Network