Namport continues to grow amidst the empty container shortage phenomenon

For the financial year 2020/2021 year, the shipping industry globally is experiencing a shortage of empty containers and Southern African ports have not been spared. The knock-on effect from the COVID-19 pandemic has hamstrung exports and imports of cargo worldwide.

The crisis has ascended, firstly due to the decrease in the number of available containers; secondly, most ports were congested as the number of labourers were reduced. Thirdly, a drop in the number of ships operating, and fourthly, the impact of consumer buying patterns as societies experienced rolling lockdowns and uncertainty about their employment, severely hindered the shipping liner business.

Namport continues to work closely with stakeholders in order to alleviate the shortage as best we can. The disruption of the empty container shortage is pre-empted to subside, in the last quarter of 2021. However, our efforts to curb the shortfall of empty containers continues to hamper clients’ businesses.

*Article contributed by Namport