Global port activity has seen significant improvements recently, particularly at South Africa’s ports, as operational conditions continue to stabilize, according to the Danish shipping giant Maersk Line. An encouraging report indicates minimal waiting times, low terminal and yard density, and sufficient depot capacity, alongside enhancements to equipment positioning. "The southeaster, largely absent through summer, made an unwelcome appearance in Cape Town this week, but overall, it’s a positive operational picture," Maersk stated.
Despite some initial concerns tied to the post-festive break operations, pressure on port and landside infrastructures has been limited. While political turmoil in Mozambique had previously caused notable delays at the ports of Beira and Maputo, the situation has recently improved, resulting in reduced waiting times. Port Louis, recovering from productivity dips and delays observed late last year, also reports progress.
A more ambitious collaboration has emerged on the global stage as Hapag Lloyd and Maersk have taken steps to launch the Gemini Cooperation. Since February 1, this initiative has seen 340 vessels across seven major trade routes supported by feeder services, aimed squarely at enhancing customer service reliability. With reports of specific routes still struggling to offer reliability levels below 50%, the companies are targeting increased efficiency, which could have far-reaching impacts on shipping to New Zealand. Mike Knowles, chair of the NZ Council of Cargo Owners, highlighted the potential of the Gemini ships to optimize hub stops, indicating, "The aim is to improve the reliability of the global network, and if it does, it will be beneficial for NZ exporters."
Experts note challenges remain, as New Zealand ports are reconciling post-COVID inefficiencies, especially at the Ports of Auckland. Andy Bowley, from Forsyth Barr, mentioned skepticism about immediate service level changes for New Zealand, stating, "I am not convinced we are going to see a seismic shift in services to and from NZ." He highlighted the cooperation's focus on east-west trade routes but acknowledged the enhancements to the overall reliability could restore greater consistency for exporters. Given the competitive nature of shipping, the collaborative effort may also gradually influence shipping costs, which saw drastic increases during recent years.
On the U.S. front, ports ended 2024 on strong notes, logging volume increases across major facilities. The Port of Los Angeles processed 921,616 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) for December alone, marking a 24% rise from the previous year and solidifying its place as one of the busiest ports globally. Executive Director Gene Seroka emphasized the operational effectiveness, declaring, "Everything we do to speed containers through the port pays off, because for every four containers we move, it equals one job." Overall, the Port recorded over 10.3 million TEUs for the year, reflecting nearly 20% growth over 2023.
Meanwhile, the Port of Long Beach achieved its busiest December to date, with container traffic climbing 21.3% compared to December 2023. With 861,006 containers processed, the port claimed its record-setting year for 2024, attributing the performance to elevated demand and operational improvements. These advancements can be linked to increased vessel consistency and international container voyages reaching their highest levels since 2020, according to officials at the Northwest Seaport Alliance.
Port Houston similarly reported positive developments, notching up container volumes by 4%. The facility processed 340,418 containers against the previous year’s 326,577, aided by steady export shipments of resin, chemicals, and textiles. CEO Charlie Jenkins praised the operational success, stating, "Houston is at the heart of our nation’s trade, connecting our region to global markets," signifying the port's strategic importance within the larger supply chain framework.
The Port of Oakland maintained growth trends as well, experiencing a 3.8% rise year-over-year, translating to 182,646 containers, mainly credited to growth in loaded imports. Arkansas ports managed to end the year on similar upswing paths, with the Georgia Ports Authority reporting December enhancements as well, preserving its streak of 12 consecutive months of year-over-year volume growth across its terminals.
Port Authority figures have displayed consistent growth patterns across these facilities. Kent Fountain, chairman of the Georgia Ports Board, acknowledged the contributions of various stakeholders, ensuring continued focus on infrastructure renovations to meet rising demands.
These developments, stemming from collaborative ventures and improved operational efficiencies, reflect promising dynamics within global port activity and logistics. While uncertainties linger especially related to specific regional impacts from initiatives like Gemini, the overarching trends signal renewed optimism within the shipping industry as ports adapt and respond to modern supply chain challenges effectively.