Port of Cape Town records cargo growth as Transnet seeks private-sector investment
This positive trajectory has continued into the 2026/27 financial year, with year-to-date STAT averaging 58 hours.
SOUTH AFRICA – The Port of Cape Town has recorded strong cargo throughput across key commodity sectors during the 2025/26 financial year, highlighting a sustained operational recovery at the facility as Transnet advances its strategy to expand private-sector participation in terminal operations to drive further efficiency gains and economic growth.
Container volumes grew by 6.5% compared to the 2024/25 financial year, supported by record performances on deep-sea import and export volumes.
These volume gains coincided with significant improvements in operational efficiency reported by the Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA).
This positive trajectory has continued into the 2026/27 financial year, with year-to-date STAT averaging 58 hours.
Strategic Vision and Operational Improvements
The performance gains have been driven by improved terminal handling rates, the elimination of marine-related delays, and strategic infrastructure investments. Notably, the permanent deployment of ten shore tension units at the Cape Town Container Terminal has reduced long-wave-related downtime by 92% since the 2023/24 financial year.
Private Sector Participation and Economic Impact
These operational advancements support Transnet’s broader Reinvent for Growth strategy, which prioritizes optimizing operations while expanding private sector participation.
The move to seek private sector expertise was formally welcomed in a joint media release titled “Fixing the Port of Cape Town will drive growth and jobs,” issued on 21 July 2026 by the Western Cape’s Department of Agriculture. In the joint release, Western Cape Premier Alan Winde said: “The Western Cape’s exporters rely on a fully functional port. We have consistently called for reforms that improve efficiency and strengthen South Africa’s logistics network. I welcome Transnet’s decision to invite private sector investment and expertise into the Port of Cape Town.”
Industry Leadership and Future Outlook
In the same statement, Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism Dr Ivan Meyer noted that the port serves as a vital gateway for the region’s sectors. “Efficient ports are essential for economic growth. The Western Cape is a major exporting province, and our agriculture, manufacturing, fisheries and tourism sectors depend on reliable port operations to reach domestic and international markets,” Minister Meyer said.
In the end, the transition toward private investment is framed as a vital step in ensuring the facility remains a reliable gateway for international trade, with the port remaining prepared to pursue further reforms to sustain long-term growth and job creation in the Western Cape.
Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa and around the world, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates
