All Eyes on Durban & Cape Town: The Big Port Reset of 2026

Now, as Q1 2026 rolls in, the spotlight is on: will the billions poured into infrastructure and private sector innovation finally pay off where it matters most?

On the ground, you can feel the shift. Private deals are signed, cranes are humming, and the mood at the ports is more upbeat than it’s been in years. After a long stretch of frustration and delays, the “turnaround plan” is no longer just a line in a government document. It’s visible, in the extra trucks at the gates, in the faster-moving stacks, and in the optimism on the faces of people who make South African trade happen.

Two Ports, One Big Test

Durban and Cape Town have always had their own battles. Durban, the workhorse, has wrestled with congestion for years. Cape Town’s challenge has always been the wind, and the pressure of the fruit export season. But for the first time, both ports are turning a new page at the same time, each with its own bold play.

Durban’s story centres on a landmark private concession, bringing global muscle and fresh thinking to its flagship terminal. Cape Town is betting on new gear and smarter ways of working to finally outsmart the Cape Doctor and keep the fruit moving, wind or no wind. For exporters, Q1 is the real test: can these changes finally deliver the speed and reliability that South African business has been begging for?

Durban: Changing the Game, Raising the Bar

The real headline in Durban? Pier 2 is now under the stewardship of International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI), after a 25-year deal inked at the end of 2025. The takeover isn’t just changing the name on the door, it’s a full-scale reinvention, with ICTSI committing R11 billion to supercharge capacity from 2 million to 2.8 million TEUs.

The impact is already being felt. Crane moves per hour are climbing from a sluggish 18 to a much sharper 28, and vessel turnaround times are tightening. That matters, because Pier 2 handles nearly three-quarters of the port’s volume. Every gain here has a direct knock-on effect for supply chains across the country. Exporters who’ve spent years dodging bottlenecks are now seeing real, measurable improvements.

 With a R4 billion upgrade timed perfectly for the fruit season, and 28 new rubber-tyred gantry cranes boasting smart anti-sway technology, the port is ready to keep the cold chain moving, even when the wind picks up.

It’s paying off. The Cape Town Container Terminal has beaten its own throughput forecasts by as much as 62%, thanks to a reinvigorated Port Service Partnership. More plug points for reefers, more generator backup, and more hands on deck mean exporters can finally breathe a little easier. The ripple effect is massive: by year-end, the port’s rebound is forecast to support 240,000 jobs in the Western Cape alone.

Q1 2026: What Shippers Need to Know

So what does all this mean for you? In Durban, expect crane productivity to keep climbing and vessel waiting times to shrink, though, as with any big change, there may be some early teething troubles as the new systems settle in. In Cape Town, the fruit season should run far smoother: less congestion, more reliable reefer handling, and a cold chain that’s finally back on track.

Of course, no transition is ever perfectly smooth. New schedules, new equipment, and updated contracts mean there’ll be the odd hiccup, maybe a tight slot here, a schedule shift there. The best advice? Stay close to your carrier, keep an eye on terminal updates, and be ready to adapt.

The Numbers Don’t Lie

There’s good reason for the optimism. Transnet Port Terminals recently set a new record, moving over 100,000 TEUs in a single week, a clear sign that the sector is shifting from crisis management to a new phase of real, sustainable growth.

• Book early. With the fruit season in full swing, competition for reefer slots in Cape Town will be fierce.

• Stay informed. Durban’s changes are big news, but they might mean some short-term schedule tweaks. Keep tabs on carrier and terminal bulletins.

• Choose partners who know the ropes. As the market evolves, having a logistics partner with deep local knowledge and global muscle like DHL, can help you stay ahead of the pack.

Progress You Can See

The upgrades at Durban and Cape Town aren’t just window dressing. Q1 2026 is shaping up to be the quarter when investments start to pay real dividends, not just for the ports, but for every business that relies on them. It won’t solve everything at once, but the momentum is real.

For shippers ready to plan ahead, the benefits are clear: lower costs, fewer delays, and a supply chain that finally feels dependable. DHL’s teams are on the ground, tracking every development and helping you seize every opportunity.

With smart investment, sharper processes, and a renewed focus on results, South Africa’s ports are geared to deliver more reliable, cost-effective service this year. For those who move fast and stay informed, the upside is there for the taking.