Rising tensions redraw global shipping lanes, boosting Africa’s strategic ports
Africa’s largest container port, Tanger Med Port, is preparing for a potential surge in vessel traffic as global shipping routes undergo a dramatic shift away from the Middle East.
Mounting security risks in key maritime corridors are forcing major carriers to reroute ships around Africa, reshaping trade flows and elevating the continent’s role in global logistics.
Leading shipping giants such as Maersk, Hapag-Lloyd, and CMA CGM have already begun diverting vessels away from the Suez Canal. Instead, ships are navigating the longer route around the Cape of Good Hope, adding significant time and cost to global supply chains.
This shift comes amid escalating instability in critical waterways such as the Red Sea, the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, and the Strait of Hormuz, routes that have long served as vital arteries for international trade. Ongoing geopolitical tensions have disrupted one of the busiest corridors in the world, prompting a significant rethink of maritime logistics strategies.
Idriss Aarabi, managing director of Tanger Med, told Reuters that the port could see more vessel calls as a result, though the impact is still emerging.
“The full impact on cargo flows is not expected to be visible until mid-to-late April 2026,” he said, adding that no cancellations have been recorded so far.
Strategically located at the gateway to the Mediterranean, Tanger Med stands to benefit from increased vessel calls as shipping lines adjust their routes. However, the opportunity is not without challenges. The port is actively working to manage capacity and prevent congestion as volumes begin to shift.
The rerouting of ships is adding between 10 to 14 days to transit times, driving up fuel consumption and tightening global shipping capacity. In response, carriers are introducing additional charges, including war risk and deviation fees ranging from $1,500 to $3,300 per container, and up to $4,000 for specialised cargo.
Despite these pressures, Tanger Med continues to strengthen its position as a global logistics hub. The port handled an impressive 11.1 million containers in 2025, marking an 8.4% year on year increase and outperforming several Mediterranean competitors.
If disruptions persist, analysts anticipate a sustained increase in shipping activity along African routes. This could also stimulate growth in related services such as marine fuel supply, further boosting the continent’s logistics ecosystem.
As global trade patterns evolve, Tanger Med’s rising prominence underscores Africa’s growing strategic importance in connecting international markets, offering both significant opportunities and new operational challenges for ports across the region.