Our container terminals handled 10 051 TEUs on average per day, which is less than the 11 040 TEUs handled the previous week. Unfavorable weather, an oil leak, dredging, equipment failures, and shortages were the hallmarks of port operations. This week, the Port of Cape Town experienced little delays, but Durban experienced operating delays due to bad weather, dredging, and equipment failures. The primary operational limitations at our Eastern Cape ports were an oil spill and unfavorable weather, while Richards Bay operations were halted because of a lack of maritime equipment. Cable theft over the weekend severely damaged the line between Johannesburg and Pretoria, leaving it inoperable for a large portion of the week. Furthermore, according to recent sources, the NRCS strike is still going on as of November 20. The workers are asking a pay increase of 8%.
Key Notes:
- An average of ~10 051 TEUs was handled per day, with ~11 040 TEUs projected for next week.
- Rail cargo handled out of Durban was reported at 2 587 containers, down ↓26% from last week.
- SARS September trade stats – exports: ↑5,3% (m/m); imports ↑4,4%; YTD trade surplus: R145,5 billion.
- Cross-border queue: ↑0,3 hrs; transit: ↓0,2 hrs; SA borders: 15,0 hrs (↓12%); SADC: 5,0 hrs (unchanged).
Port operations – General:
- In our container terminals, an average of 10 051 TEUs was handled per day, down from 11 040 TEUs last week.
- Port operations were characterised by adverse weather, an oil spillage, dredging, equipment breakdowns and shortages.
- Minimal delays were reported at the Port of Cape Town this week; however, inclement weather, dredging, and equipment breakdowns ensured operational delays in Durban.
- An oil spillage incident and adverse weather represented the main operational constraints at our Eastern Cape Ports, while operations were delayed in Richards Bay due to unavailable marine equipment.
- The line between Johannesburg and Pretoria was heavily impacted by cable theft over the weekend, which rendered the line out of commission for a significant part of the week.
- Additionally, the latest reports suggest that the NRCS strike is ongoing (as of 20 November), with the workforce demanding an ↑8% salary increase.
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