African port waiting times fell nearly a day to 2.5 days in September but remained the highest regionally, according to the latest data by freight market analytics company Xeneta.
The proportion of vessels waiting held at 32%, Xeneta’s September Schedule Reliability Scorecard showed.
Globally, on-time arrivals fell two percentage points to 27%, marking four consecutive monthly declines. Average delays across all arrivals reached six days.
Typhoon disruption in Asia continued spreading through shipping networks, Xeneta said. Far East-Europe reliability dropped to 4% with delays averaging 9.9 days.
Singapore’s daily vessel queue increased from 12 to 22 while waiting times rose from 1.9 to 3.1 days.
Europe-North America performed best, recording 49% on-time arrivals and average delays of 1.9 days.
Among carriers, Maersk’s reliability fell from 51% to 47%. Hapag-Lloyd recorded 45%, CMA CGM 30%, Cosco 18% and Yang Ming 4%. Every carrier tracked recorded its highest average delay in 12 months.
The Gemini network declined from 70% on time in June to 40% in September.
Further disruption could accompany cancelled sailings, Xeneta said. Announced October cancellations represent at least 17% of planned Far East-Europe capacity and 13% of Far East-North America.
Xeneta urged shippers to scrutinise reliability, capacity cuts and service commitments during contract negotiations.
