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Container Cargo Insurance

Insurance for containerised goods shipped through Durban, Cape Town and other SA ports.

About Container Cargo Insurance

Containerised cargo is the dominant form of general cargo movement through South Africa's ports. Durban Container Terminal is Sub-Saharan Africa's busiest, handling approximately 3 million TEUs annually, while Cape Town's container terminals serve both imports and exports. Container cargo insurance covers the goods inside the container during the full journey — from the shipper's warehouse, through port operations, on the vessel, at the discharge port, and to the final delivery point. The "warehouse to warehouse" coverage principle is standard. Insurance is typically arranged under an open cover (for regular shippers) or a voyage policy (for single shipments).

Commodity Examples

Manufactured goods

Automotive parts

Electronics

Clothing and textiles

Wine and beverages

Perishable produce

Machinery and equipment

Main Risks

•Theft from container (especially at Durban)
•Damage during container stacking
•Seawater ingress
•Reefer failure (for temperature-sensitive cargo)
•Fire (container vessel fires increasing globally)
•General average contributions

Recommended Cover

ICC (A) all-risks cover recommended for containerised cargo
Theft endorsement essential for Durban transit
Reefer breakdown cover for temperature-sensitive cargo
General average and salvage charges included as standard

Incoterms Note

For FOB shipments from SA, the buyer arranges cargo insurance from the moment goods are on board. For CIF/CIP exports, the SA exporter must arrange insurance to the destination port. Always check your sales contract Incoterms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my containerised cargo covered if the container is damaged but the goods inside are not?

Marine cargo insurance covers the goods inside the container. The container itself is the carrier's equipment and their responsibility. If goods are damaged as a result of container damage, your cargo insurance responds.

There have been theft problems at Durban port — am I covered?

Theft of goods during port operations at Durban is a known risk. ICC (A) policies cover theft as part of all-risks cover. Some underwriters apply specific excesses or conditions for Durban transit — confirm with your broker that theft is not excluded or sub-limited.

What is an open cover and do I need one?

An open cover is a master marine cargo insurance policy that automatically covers all shipments declared under it, avoiding the need for a separate policy each time. It is ideal for businesses that ship regularly. Single-shipment voyage policies suit occasional shippers.

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