22/10/2026
# OFFICIAL NOTICE: MACHINERY STOCK AND DELIVERY DELAYS DUE TO DURBAN PORT CONGESTION
**NIREX SIGNS & TECH**
**Date: 22 October 2026**
**Dear Valued Customers and Business Partners,**
We would like to bring to your attention the ongoing operational disruptions and severe congestion at the **Port of Durban**, which have significantly affected the importation, clearance and delivery of printing machinery and equipment into South Africa.
As a business that relies heavily on imported large-format printers, cutting machines, DTF equipment, heat presses and related machinery, **Nirex Signs & Tech has been directly affected by these delays, with incoming machinery stock being held up within the shipping and port clearance process.**
# # # What Is Causing the Delays?
The Durban port has been experiencing serious operational challenges, including:
- **Terminal operating system disruptions:** The recent transition to the NAVIS N4 system caused interruptions to container processing, tracking and scheduling.
- **Severe vessel congestion:** Cargo vessels have experienced extended waiting periods before being allowed to berth and unload.
- **Equipment shortages and breakdowns:** Limited availability of operational cargo-handling equipment has reduced the speed of container movement.
- **Container clearance and transport backlogs:** Congestion at container yards and delays in truck bookings have slowed the release and collection of imported goods.
- **Adverse weather conditions:** Periodic weather disruptions have further affected port operations and contributed to accumulated delays.
These challenges have affected importers and businesses throughout South Africa, with disruptions extending across multiple supply chains.
# # # How This Is Affecting Nirex
Unfortunately, these port disruptions are having a significant impact on our operations.
**1. Delayed Arrival of Machinery Stock**
Several incoming machinery shipments are taking longer than anticipated to arrive and clear through the import process. Consequently, some machines that we expected to have available for customers remain delayed.
**2. Limited Local Stock Availability**
With imported equipment taking longer to reach our premises, stock availability for certain machine configurations has become increasingly limited. This makes it difficult to guarantee immediate availability of specific models.
**3. Delayed Customer Orders and Installations**
Some customers who have already placed orders are experiencing longer waiting periods. Machinery installation, training and delivery arrangements may also be affected where equipment has not yet been received.
**4. Increased Operational and Financial Pressure**
These delays affect our ability to replenish inventory, fulfil orders within anticipated delivery periods and plan future shipments.
Additional logistics costs, changing shipping schedules and uncertainty around container release dates create further financial pressure on our business.
**5. Impact on Our Regional Customers**
Nirex supplies equipment to customers throughout South Africa and neighbouring countries, including Botswana, Namibia, Lesotho, Mozambique, Eswatini and Zimbabwe.
Consequently, delays at Durban also affect our ability to fulfil certain cross-border orders within the originally anticipated timelines.
# # # What Nirex Is Doing
We want to reassure customers that we are actively working with our suppliers, freight forwarders and logistics partners to minimise the impact of these disruptions.
We are monitoring outstanding shipments, following up on container movements and prioritising customer orders as machinery becomes available.
**We also encourage customers to confirm stock availability before making payment or scheduling installations**, as some machines may require additional lead time.
Where possible, we will communicate revised delivery expectations and suitable alternatives to affected customers.
# # # Our Commitment to Customers
We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience and uncertainty these delays may cause.
We understand that many customers depend on their machinery to start businesses, generate income, fulfil contracts and maintain daily operations.
Please be assured that **these delays do not reflect a lack of commitment from Nirex or a failure to prioritise customer orders**. They arise from wider logistics disruptions affecting the importation and movement of goods through the Port of Durban.
We remain committed to transparency, regular communication and fulfilling our supply obligations as quickly as circumstances allow.
We appreciate your continued patience, understanding and support during this challenging period.
**NIREX SIGNS & TECH**
*Your Partner in Printing Technology*
Tel: 012 023 2417
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.nirextech.co.za
Akasia, Pretoria, South Africa
**Thank you for your continued trust and support.**
