This week’s port operations were mostly hampered by bad weather, malfunctioning equipment, and shortages. Significant wind gusts, large waves, and vessel ranges were the primary operational limitations at the Port of Cape Town. Adverse weather conditions and equipment malfunctions also made this week’s operations in Durban delayed. Strong winds caused our Eastern Cape Ports to lose about fifty operating hours, while this week’s problems with the marine service at the Port of Richards Bay cost us about thirty-three operational hours. A Request for Information (RFI) procedure for a Multi-Purpose Terminal (MPT) at the Quay 4 area of the Port of Mossel Bay was started earlier this week by TNPA. Furthermore, according to the most recent reports, COSATU has notified NEDLAC of their intention to hold a nationwide strike on Monday, October 7, which could have an effect on port operations.
Key Notes:
- An average of ~7 384 containers was handled per day, with ~7 913 containers projected for next week.
- Rail cargo handled out of Durban was reported at 3 147 containers, up ↑12% from last week.
- Cross-border queue: ↓0,1 hrs; transit: ↑0,6 hrs; SA borders: 10,0 hrs (↓32%); SADC: 2,9 hrs (↓41%).
- SARS August trade stats – exports: ↓5,0% (m/m); imports ↑1,8%; YTD trade surplus: R89 billion.
Port operations – General:
- Port operations this week were mainly constrained by inclement weather conditions, equipment breakdowns and shortages.
- Strong winds, high swells, and vessel ranges represented the main operational constraints at the Port of Cape Town.
- At the same time, adverse weather and equipment breakdowns ensured operational delays in Durban this week.
- Our Eastern Cape Ports lost around 50 operational hours due to strong winds, while around 33 operational hours were conceded at the Port of Richards Bay this week due to challenges associated with the marine service.
- Earlier this week, TNPA initiated a Request for Information (RFI) process for a Multi-Purpose Terminal (MPT) at the Port of Mossel Bay’s Quay 4 precinct.
- Additionally, the latest reports suggest that COSATU has informed NEDLAC of their planned national strike on Monday, 7 October, which may impact port operations.
Read more:
Cargo Movement Report – Full Report
Cargo Movement Report – Summary Report