Investigating the impact of shipping vessel dwell times in South African harbours on supply chain efficiency

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of shipping vessel dwell times in South African harbours on supply chain efficiency within the manufacturing sector. Prolonged vessel dwell times have been identified as a major contributor to production delays, increased logistics costs, and reduced international competitiveness. The research therefore seeks to understand the underlying causes, effects, and mitigation strategies associated with these inefficiencies, and to propose practical solutions for improving national port performance. The literature review explores global and local perspectives on port efficiency, supply chain resilience, and the operational, financial, and policy factors influencing dwell time performance. Key theoretical frameworks related to logistics governance, risk mitigation, and supply chain resilience are examined to establish a conceptual foundation for the study. The review highlights persistent infrastructure challenges, governance shortcomings, and limited digital integration as critical inhibitors of efficiency in South Africa’s ports. A qualitative research design was employed, using semi-structured interviews with industry professionals from the manufacturing and logistics sectors. The data were analysed using thematic analysis to identify recurring patterns and insights. Six interrelated themes emerged, reflecting the operational, financial, and systemic consequences of prolonged dwell times. Participants emphasised that although firms employ short-term mitigation measures—such as safety stock and supplier diversification- these responses are reactive, financially unsustainable, and insufficient to address structural inefficiencies. The findings reveal that sustainable improvement requires coordinated reform across multiple dimensions, including infrastructure modernisation, digital integration, governance restructuring, and private-sector participation. The study concludes with practical recommendations and an implementation framework aimed at restoring port reliability, reducing costs, and enhancing supply chain resilience.