Durban Gateway Terminal Backlog

Durban Gateway Terminal is working to clear a major cargo backlog after its transition to the NAVIS N4 terminal operating system disrupted container movements at the Port of Durban.

Terminal management says the new system has been successfully implemented and remains stable. However, residual technical issues, equipment constraints and heavy yard congestion have prevented operations from immediately returning to normal.

The Durban Gateway Terminal backlog has affected importers, exporters, shipping lines, freight forwarders and road transport companies using South Africa’s busiest container port.

NAVIS N4 transition disrupts operations

The terminal began transitioning to its independent NAVIS N4 system on 15 August 2026. Vessel and landside operations were temporarily suspended while operational data was migrated, tested and validated.

Although the scheduled system upgrade was completed, the terminal initially operated at approximately 70% of its normal capacity while the new platform stabilised.

Truck appointment slots were released gradually, limiting the number of containers that transporters could collect or deliver.

The terminal had warned customers to expect delays following the migration and established a 24-hour “hypercare” support team involving Durban Gateway Terminal, ICTSI and NAVIS specialists.

More than 5,000 containers affected

Industry reports indicated that more than 5,000 containers were grounded at the terminal as congestion intensified.

Durban Gateway Terminal handled 25,793 twenty-foot equivalent units between 10 and 16 August, representing a 26% decline from the previous week. Throughput reached approximately 66% of the terminal’s target for the reporting period.

Vessels spent an average of 66 hours waiting at anchorage and about 70 hours at berth. By 19 August, 10 container vessels were reportedly waiting outside the Port of Durban, including seven destined for Durban Gateway Terminal.

Some shipping lines reported waiting periods of between eight and 12 days.

Temporary restrictions remain

Durban Gateway Terminal introduced temporary operational restrictions to reduce yard congestion and support its recovery.

These included:

• Suspending dual load-and-discharge truck transactions.
• Preventing containers from being rerouted to alternative stacks.
• Temporarily pausing the acceptance of refrigerated containers.
• Releasing truck appointment slots in a controlled manner.
• Prioritising the loading of existing refrigerated cargo onto vessels.

The temporary pause on accepting additional refrigerated containers was intended to create space by moving existing reefer stock out of the terminal.

Booked containers were expected to be processed as appointment slots became available.

Citrus exporters affected by delays

The Durban Gateway Terminal backlog has raised concerns within South Africa’s citrus export industry, which depends heavily on reliable access to refrigerated containers and scheduled shipping services.

Delays may expose exporters to additional storage, demurrage and transport costs. Perishable products also face the risk of losing quality or missing international delivery windows.

The Citrus Growers’ Association has warned that the congestion is affecting export operations and renewed its call for greater private-sector participation across South Africa’s ports and rail network.

The association maintains that improved logistics efficiency is necessary to support agricultural exports and economic growth.

Terminal adds operational capacity

Durban Gateway Terminal says it is adding operational capacity while technical teams address the remaining system-related challenges.

Management is also working with Transnet Freight Rail to arrange additional train movements from the terminal. Moving more containers by rail could reduce pressure on the yard and improve cargo circulation.

Internal operational changes are being implemented alongside longer-term equipment and infrastructure programmes intended to strengthen the terminal’s performance.

The Southern African Association of Freight Forwarders has been engaging terminal management, Transnet and other stakeholders as part of efforts to restore cargo flows.

The association says the recovery should be measured by the sustainable movement of containers across the entire terminal—not only by whether the NAVIS system is technically functioning.

Why the Port of Durban matters

The Port of Durban is a critical gateway for South African imports and exports. Disruptions at its container terminals can affect manufacturers, retailers, farmers, transporters and consumers across the country.

Extended delays can increase logistics costs, interrupt production schedules and undermine the competitiveness of South African exports.

Clearing the Durban Gateway Terminal backlog will therefore be important for restoring confidence among shipping lines and businesses dependent on the Durban freight corridor.

Customers have been advised to monitor terminal notices, confirm appointment slots and allow additional time when planning cargo movements.