112% increase in vessels passing Cape of Good Hope as Middle East conflict disrupts shipping

The port of Cape Town has reported a 112% increase in diverted vessels as global shipping lines reroute ships around the Cape of Good Hope The port of Cape Town has seen global shipping lines reroute vessels around the Cape of Good Hope due to the ongoing Middle East conflict, resulting in a 112% increase in vessels passing along the Cape route. Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) said the port remains fully operational, with most diverted vessels transiting offshore for bunkering, crew changes, supplies, or occasional transhipment.. This comes as theStrait of Hormuz remains a high-risk route, with the conflict disrupting global oil and shipping traffic, forcing vessels to take the longer Cape of Good Hope route and adding significant delays and costs for exporters.

, with the conflict disrupting global oil and shipping traffic, forcing vessels to take the longer Cape of Good Hope route and adding significant delays and costs for exporters. Major shipping lines, including Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd, have also structurally rerouted vessels around the Cape of Good Hope to avoid the escalating conflict. ‘This shift has resulted in a 112% surge in Cape diversions as of early March 2026, adding roughly 10–14 days to transit times and significantly increasing fuel and insurance costs for global trade,” the Cape Chamber said.

The Cape Chamberalso said the conflict has resulted in higher freight costs. also said the conflict has resulted in higher freight costs.