Maersk has temporarily increased import detention free time from four to five days for its import containers discharged at all Durban terminals in response to congestion.
The adjustment takes immediate effect and will remain in place until December 31, the shipping line said in a customer advisory dated November 2. The standard four-day period will resume on January 1, 2027.
“This measure provides customers with an additional day of free time during the period of congestion,” Maersk said.
The concession comes as delays at Durban continue to disrupt cargo flows and manufacturing schedules. Freight News reported on October 28 that production at Zoeller Waste Trucks had stopped while the company awaited six containers aboard two vessels that had been at anchorage for more than a month.
Transporters were also experiencing limited truck booking slots, lengthy depot waits and increased standing costs, despite some improvement in clearing import containers from Durban Gateway Terminal’s yard. Operational recovery, including measures to improve cargo flow and landside processes, remained a priority, DGT said.
