This previous week’s port operations were characterized by unfavorable weather, regular equipment failures and shortages, system difficulties, traffic jams, and road shows. The week was pretty decent for the Eastern Cape ports, with the biggest reported delay being on Wednesday during load shedding at the Ngqura port from 16:00 to 18:00. Only two tugs were available for Durban’s Friday morning start due to an electrical issue with one of them. In addition, the Durban helicopter lost service early this week due to what is thought to be water in the fuel tank. Additionally, TFR experienced routine overhead power outages this week on the route connecting Johannesburg and Durban, which resulted in brief delays. However, due to a decrease in cable theft, train traffic on the container corridor has significantly improved.
Key Notes :
- An average of ~7 300 containers was handled per day, with ~8 867 containers projected for next week.
- Rail cargo handled out of Durban amounted to 1 983 containers, ↓30% compared to last week.
Cross-border queue times were ↓0,4 hours, with transit times ↑2,3 hours, SA borders ~8,0 hours (↑14%).CTS container throughput (dry & reefer) is up by ↑2,2% (m/m), down by ↓9,3% (y/y) for October. - Container capacity utilisation continues to decrease, as cancelled sailings remain high, this week at 14%.
- The “WCI” decreased for the 41st consecutive week, with spot rates down ↓6% ($145) to $2 139 per 40ft.
- Air cargo (chargeable weight) is down by ↓17% (y/y) despite a slightly increased capacity (↑2%).
- Against trends, air cargo rates are ↓26% (y/y), but still ↑85% higher than pre-pandemic levels of 2019.
Port operations – General :
- Port operations this past week were characterised by adverse weather conditions, frequent equipment breakdowns and shortages, system challenges, congestion, and road shows.
- The Eastern Cape ports experienced a relatively good week, as the most significant reported delay occurred when the Ngqura port was subject to load shedding from 16:00 to 18:00 on Wednesday. Durban kicked off Friday morning with only two tugs as one experienced electrical faults.
- Additionally, the Durban helicopter went out of commission earlier this week due to suspected water in the fuel tank. Furthermore, this week, TFR was, as usual, on the receiving end of frequent overhead power failures on the line between Johannesburg and Durban, causing minor delays.
- However, the movement of trains on the container corridor is much improved as the incidence of cable theft is declining.