Last updated awaiting first report — today's update is on its way.
About the Port of Durban
Durban is the busiest container port in sub-Saharan Africa and the gateway for roughly two-thirds of South Africa's containerised imports. The container business runs through Durban Container Terminal (DCT) Pier 1 and Pier 2, supported by Point Terminal, Maydon Wharf (break-bulk and agri-bulk) and Island View (liquid bulk and chemicals).
Because so much of Gauteng's import cargo lands here, congestion at Durban ripples through the whole national supply chain — truck turnaround at Bayhead Road, stack availability, and crane/equipment uptime at DCT are the numbers importers watch. Berthing delays of a few days are common in peak season (October–December) and after weather events.
What typically causes delays at Durban
Typical delay drivers: equipment availability and breakdowns at DCT Pier 2, strong wind that suspends gantry-crane operations, landside truck congestion around Bayhead Road and the port entrances, stack capacity in peak season, and industrial action.
Durban port — frequently asked questions
How long are ships waiting outside Durban right now?
The latest published figure is an average wait of not yet reported today with an unreported number of vessel(s) reported at anchorage. Status: no report. Updated each weekday morning from Transnet Port Terminals advisories and AIS data.
What does "stack date" mean?
The stack (or stack dates) is the window during which the container terminal accepts export containers for a specific vessel. Deliver before the stack opens and the truck is turned away; miss stack closing and your container rolls to the next vessel. Stack dates shift when vessels are delayed, so check them daily against this board.
Which terminal does my container ship use at Durban?
Most deep-sea container services berth at DCT Pier 2 (the largest terminal); Pier 1 handles a second tier of services, and some coastal/feeder cargo works at Point Terminal. Your shipping line's arrival notice or stack advisory names the terminal.
Why do trucks queue at Durban port?
Truck congestion usually reflects terminal slowdowns inside the port — wind stoppages, equipment shortages or system outages reduce the rate at which boxes are loaded/released, and the queue backs up onto Bayhead Road. The truck turnaround figure on this page is the indicator to watch.
Looking for port codes, routes and background? See the evergreen Durban port profile.
Importing through Durban?
Real-View watches your container through Durban and every port on its route — vessel delays, stack changes and arrival alerts, without refreshing this page.
Track your shipment with Real-View →