South Africa’s ports are charting a new course towards rapid digital modernisation, where cranes, gates, yard systems, shipping platforms and logistics partners are increasingly connected by vast, powerful digital systems. This creates real opportunity for faster, more efficient trade, but it also raises the question of whether the security logic is keeping pace with the systems now responsible for moving goods through the country and global value through the economy as a whole.

“A modern port is now part of a much larger digital trade ecosystem where all systems need to work together. If one part of that ecosystem is disrupted, the impact can move quickly through the supply chain,” says Martin Fernandes, Business Development Manager for Operational Technology in Africa at Fortinet.

Thanks to greater public-private participation, port infrastructure is being upgraded and digital systems are being put in place to support much more efficient trade. Late last year Transnet announced plans to invest R127 billion over five years to modernise rail lines and upgrade ports, including Durban’s Pier 2 container terminal and the Richards Bay dry-bulk terminal. In December 2025, Transnet also signed a 25-year concession agreement with ICTSI to upgrade Durban Container Terminal Pier 2, which handles more than 40% of South Africa’s container traffic.

Fernandes says this is encouraging for the country’s trade sector where faster, smarter and more efficient ports can play a role in improving export competitiveness and also strengthen South Africa’s broader logistics network. “Technological leaps like these can make a material difference to throughput. Yard-stacking algorithms can improve how containers are stored and retrieved, while APIs can connect shipping lines, freight forwarders, customs, terminal operators and logistics partners more efficiently. For obvious reasons, the security of these systems is paramount.”

Ports as ecosystems

According to the World Bank’s 2025 Port Reform Toolkit, digitalisation is transforming ports into smart, interconnected infrastructure, but guidance is needed to help ports move from foundational digital systems to fully integrated smart ports that carefully manage cybersecurity risks. As ports are evolving into a complex operating environment where IT systems, operational technology, cloud services, connected devices, and external partners all interact, they are no longer secured by protecting a single network perimeter.

“The bigger question is how every connected system is identified, monitored and protected. That includes yard systems, gate automation, remote access, operational equipment, contractor connections and the platforms that link the port to road, rail and warehouse operations. In order to support and securely adopt these new technologies, the maritime industry needs to rethink its cybersecurity posture and move toward a seamless, comprehensive, and zero-trust strategy,” notes Fernandes.

Why security supports throughput

According to Fernandes, maritime cybersecurity is best understood as part of operational continuity. If a yard management platform is disrupted or a third-party connection is compromised, attackers can gain a foothold into the larger trade ecosystem, where every delay has a rand-value attached to it.

The International Maritime Organisation’s maritime cyber risk guidance also frames cyber risk as an operational issue that can affect safe and secure shipping operations and recommends that maritime organisations identify, assess and manage cyber-related vulnerabilities as part of broader risk management.

South Africa’s ports have deep ties to the country’s economic performance, as minerals, agricultural goods, manufactured products, fuel, components and consumer goods all depend on functioning maritime and inland logistics networks. “When organisations have visibility across their connected assets, can control access properly and can respond quickly to unusual activity, security acts as an enabler of port performance because they keep operations moving and reduce the likelihood of disruption,” he says.

“So many parties, organisations, and people have worked so hard to revitalise trade and logistics infrastructure. The potential gains and opportunities are considerable. It’s crucial that we remember that integration of this sort is both a catalyst for unparalleled benefit, but also new and emerging threats. Cybersecurity is a journey (and sometimes a race), not a destination. Developing this new chapter of such an important building block of our economy will need to be continuously done in parallel with digitally securing it,” Fernandes emphasises.

Building resilience into modernisation

Where each connection in the trade ecosystem can improve efficiency, it also needs to be governed.

“Operators must establish accurate asset and risk management strategies to maintain clear visibility of connected devices, systems, users and data flows across both IT and OT environments. Once governance, workflows and accountability are clearly defined, technology can be applied effectively to enforce the required security controls. These may include network security, identity and access management, privileged access management, Zero Trust Network Access, Secure remote access and other controls. To achieve true cyber resilience, these controls must be supported by comprehensive incident detection, monitoring, response and automation that understands both enterprise IT and Industrial operational environments,” explains Fernandes.

He adds that South Africa has an opportunity to modernise its ports with security designed in from the start. This entails including foundational cyber resilience in the same conversation as capacity, equipment, automation and private-sector participation. “The goal is safer, faster and more reliable trade. Cybersecurity has a direct role to play in that because smart ports depend on trusted systems, and trusted systems depend on security that is built for both digital and physical operations.”