Cape Town port sees 112% surge in rerouted ships

CAPE TOWN – The Port of Cape Town has recorded a 112 percent surge in diverted vessels.

This is driven by global shipping lines rerouting around the Cape of Good Hope due to the ongoing Middle East conflict.

With the Strait of Hormuz now considered a high‑risk passage, oil and cargo carriers are taking the longer southern route. This adds major delays and higher costs for exporters.

READ | Transnet ready for rerouted ships after Strait of Hormuz closure

Operators, including Maersk and Hapag‑Lloyd, have already made structural shifts to avoid the conflict zone and the closure of the Strait.

The Cape Chamber of Commerce and Industry says the spike in diverted vessels is creating congestion at the Port of Cape Town, and putting pressure on Western Cape exporters.