In a recently published statement, the president of the Malian Shippers' Council (CMC) warned of a shortage of empty containers at the Autonomous Port of Dakar. He blamed Malian shippers, carriers, and freight forwarders.

"The CMC notes that empty containers are not being returned by Malian shippers, carriers and freight forwarders. This situation has become a major concern for the national and regional logistics chain. As of February 2, 2026, more than four thousand (4000) empty containers are stuck in Mali…The CMC emphasizes that this situation is causing a critical shortage of empty containers at the Port of Dakar, disruptions in the supply of Mali and a real risk of hardening the operating conditions of Malian economic operators by shipowners," the note reads.

Return the empty containers to the shipowners!

 

According to shipping companies, containers are a strategic tool in the logistics chain, and their prolonged retention can cause disruption to Malian shippers and the smooth flow of Mali's foreign trade. Consequently, the Malian Maritime Council (CMC) "urges all individuals or legal entities still holding empty containers to return them without delay to the shipping companies at the Port of Dakar, in accordance with contractual obligations and applicable regulations." Authorities have formally identified 2,800 empty containers belonging to MSC and 700 belonging to HAPAG-LLYOD. They are all currently in Mali.

 

"304 containers are currently held up at the Autonomous Port of Dakar"

In addition to the problem of empty container retention, the CMC reports that as of February 2, 2026, "304 containers are currently held up at the Autonomous Port of Dakar." Owners are urged to "urgently remove them by February 24, 2026." After this deadline, no exceptions will be granted.