State-owned freight and logistics company Transnet has recorded a 9% year-on-year increase in vessel traffic across its port system, signalling continued operational recovery and growing momentum.

Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) handled 8 630 vessel arrivals during the 2025/26 financial year, up from 7 912 in the previous year. The increase marks a significant milestone in the organisation’s Reinvent for Growth strategy, which aims to restore operational efficiency and improve port performance.

Cargo volume throughput at TNPA’s eight commercial seaports increased by 4.2% to approximately 304 million tonnes, representing the strongest growth since the 2011/12 financial year. Three of five main cargo categories registered strong growth, whilst break bulk and liquid bulk segments showed signs of gradual recovery.

Automotive volumes led the recovery with double-digit growth of 13.3%, with the Port of Durban exceeding its throughput targets. Container volumes rose by 7.1% and surpassed annual budget expectations by 3.6%, largely boosted by a 22% increase in citrus fruit volumes. Dry bulk cargo volumes increased by 4.2%, driven mainly by export demand for chrome ore, magnetite and manganese commodities.

Transnet Group Chief Executive Michelle Phillips said the growth performance signalled an improved domestic economic landscape and gains from the company’s recovery initiatives.

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“This growth in vessel activity and cargo volumes signals that Transnet’s interventions are yielding measurable results. Alongside this welcomed volume increase, Transnet remains focused on sustaining operational improvements, accelerating port infrastructure investment and implementing structural reforms to support trade growth and cargo movement through South Africa’s ports,” Phillips said.

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The increase in vessel calls reflects improved operational coordination across the port system, driven by closer collaboration between TNPA and terminal operators.

Key infrastructure projects are gaining momentum to support future demand. At the Port of Durban, expansion plans aim to significantly increase container handling capacity, whilst upgrades at the Port of Cape Town include container stack improvements and truck staging facilities to improve efficiency and reduce congestion.

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