The City of Cape Town has renewed calls for Transnet to accelerate initiatives to improve efficiencies at the Port of Cape Town, which has been ranked the “worst performing” port in the world by the 2025 World Bank Container Port Performance Index (CPPI).

Cape Town placed 400th out of 400 ports assessed, with the report citing that persistent weather disruptions and equipment reliability issues continue to undermine operations at the port.

The report found that vessels faced long delays, with Cape Town’s performance deteriorating sharply since the last index.

The Mayoral Committee for Economic Growth, James Vos, says South Africa cannot afford a port that underperforms, and all options for structural improvement, including increased private sector involvement in operations, must be considered urgently.

“While Transnet has made investments to improve port operations, we are still not seeing this improvement reflected in the latest global port rankings. This should concern everyone who cares about economic growth, exports, investment and job creation in South Africa.”

Vos says the Port of Cape Town continues to struggle with operational inefficiencies that undermine competitiveness and frustrate exporters.

“The City notes the encouraging steps taken by port authorities to improve efficiencies, including Requests for Proposals to operate the Liquid Bulk Terminal and a cold storage terminal, as greater private sector involvement at the port cannot come soon enough. The City will continue to provide its full support to port authorities in reforming port inefficiencies.”

He says in engagements with businesses, exporters, and investors, one issue consistently rises to the top of the agenda: the performance of the Port of Cape Town.

“Whether it is agricultural producers trying to get fresh produce to overseas markets, manufacturers moving goods through supply chains, or logistics operators attempting to plan with certainty, the message is remarkably consistent. The port remains one of the biggest constraints on economic growth in the Western Cape.”

Research commissioned by the Western Cape Government found that a more efficient Port of Cape Town could unlock approximately R6 billion in additional exports, support nearly 20 000 jobs, generate more than R1.6 billion in additional tax revenue and add meaningful growth to the provincial economy.

“Cape Town should have one of the most efficient ports on the African continent. We are strategically located on one of the world’s busiest shipping routes. We are home to a diverse and growing economy, world-class industries and a globally recognised tourism destination. Our port should be a competitive advantage that strengthens our position as a leading hub for trade and investment. Instead, it too often acts as a bottleneck that constrains growth and limits opportunity.”

Vos says the City maintains that the door should be opened far wider to private sector participation in port operations.