An assessment of the capacity and the performance of marine services in South Africa’s ports

Background: With about 80% of world trade being seaborne, seaports’ capacity, efficiency and associated services are vital to ensure seamless, sustainable global supply chains. A lack investment in marine capacity performance South African ports remains a concern for port users chain practitioners. Objectives: This study examines the Africa’s ports. The primary example data Port Durban. Method: uses Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) descriptive statistics analyse fleet performance, bollard pulls human identify causes shipping delays Durban from 2014 2021. Results: 8 years analysis show five most prominent sources as; tugboats occupied, shift changes, movements, tugs out commission adverse weather conditions. Other factors identified were pilot-boat availability, overbooking slots, meetings, etc. impacted by outdated wet infrastructure shortage crafts critical skills. Conclusion: There is clear justified need increase physical capital provision improve maintenance spending on reduce costs conducting (SA) Contribution: compiles, analyses provides contextual understanding number crafts, average pulls, resources Republic Africa (RSA)