Manzanillo to Durban shipping route.

Ships leaving Manzanillo for Durban head south east and cover a sea distance of 8,987 nautical miles (16,645 km), via Panama Canal. The straight line between the ports is 15,378 km; coastlines and shipping lanes add the rest. On the way the vessel passes Cape of Good Hope and Panama Canal, so canal transit fees and waiting time at the canal are part of every voyage.

Shipping time depends on speed. At 14 knots, a common container ship service speed, the passage takes 26.8 days at sea. Slow steaming at 12 knots stretches it to 31.2 days, while 18 knots brings it down to 20.8. Container transit time on a liner service is longer than the steaming time: ships call at other ports on the rotation, and cargo may transship at a hub. Add terminal time at Manzanillo and Durban to plan the full ocean transit time.

The next option is via Strait of Magellan, 9,605 nautical miles, 618 nm longer than the main route. Carriers pick it when Cape of Good Hope is congested or closed.

Container freight rates on Manzanillo to Durban move with fuel prices, ship capacity and the season. Compare several carriers before booking: the cheapest sailing is often the slowest one. At Durban (ZADUR) carriers give about 3 free days before demurrage and detention charges start, so plan the truck or rail pickup before the box lands.

Of the 65 port to port routes from Manzanillo in this directory, Durban is the 53rd shortest. Closer destinations include Jeddah (8,700 nm), Ho Chi Minh City (8,509 nm) and Cape Town (8,273 nm).