The latest world bank Container Port Performance Index report has ranked Cape Town the worst port in 400
Despite the latest Container Port Performance Index (CPPI) ranking Cape Town last among 400 ports worldwide, Transnet insists its turnaround strategy is yielding results, with average Ship Turnaround Time improving sharply from 103 hours in 2023/24 to 58 hours.
The 2025 Container Port Performance Index (CPPI), compiled by the World Bank and S&P Global Market Intelligence, measures port efficiency based on the time vessels spend in port.
While Cape Town remained the worst-performing port in the index, the report painted a more positive picture for other South African ports. Durban was ranked the most improved port since 2024, while the Port of Ngqura in Coega, Gqeberha, was the third most improved. The Port of Port Elizabeth, also in Gqeberha, was identified as the most improved port since 2020.
The report attributed Cape Town's poor performance to persistent weather-related disruptions and equipment reliability issues, which have resulted in high variability in ship turnaround times.
