Red Sea Crisis: African Ports Overwhelmed as Ships Rerouted
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Reuters
Shipping companies rerouting around the Cape of Good Hope to avoid Houthi attacks in the Red Sea are facing difficulties in finding suitable ports for refueling and restocking. African ports, including major ones like Durban, Cape Town, and Ngqura, are struggling with red tape, congestion, and poor facilities. This has led to limited options for ships seeking replenishment along the rerouted route. Ports in Mauritius and Namibia, such as Port Louis and Walvis Bay, are being considered as top options for bunkering en route. Additionally, rough weather conditions and bureaucracy pose further challenges for vessels navigating the longer East-West route via the southern tip of Africa.