The Western Cape government has outlined four interventions aimed at improving operational efficiency at the Port of Cape Town following the port's last-place ranking in the World Bank's 2025 Container Port Performance Index (CPPI).
Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, Ivan Meyer, announced the measures on Monday, saying the province would focus on engagement with the World Bank, operational improvements with Transnet, closer coordination with port users and a renewed focus on port performance through stakeholder forums.
Data from the Digital Logistics Planning Platform (DLPP) showed vessel port call times had improved by 33% in 2026 year-to-date compared with the same period last year, Meyer said.
The first intervention involves formal engagement with the World Bank team responsible for the CPPI. The province plans to compare port call data used in the index with information from its DLPP, to discuss the methodology used in the rankings and explore opportunities for collaboration.
The second focuses on operational improvements at the port through engagements with Transnet National Ports Authority, Transnet Port Terminals and Transnet Freight Rail. Areas identified for attention include vessel sequencing, container stack management, landside congestion and the impact of wind-related disruptions.
The province also plans to work with exporters, importers and logistics operators to reduce congestion during peak periods. Proposed measures include expanded night-shift operations where possible, increased use of inland terminals and off-port facilities, and greater coordination on cold-chain logistics.
A fourth intervention will see port performance feature prominently in the 2027 Port of Cape Town stakeholder dialogue, with the World Bank and industry participants expected to be invited to take part.
