An average of 11 548 TEUs were handled daily in our container terminals, up from 10 368 TEUs the previous week. It is anticipated that a higher average of ~12 123 TEUs (↑5%) will be handled over the next week. Port operations were plagued by unfavorable weather, large waves, and equipment failures and shortages. Strong winds, heavy fog, and equipment failures cost the Port of Cape Town almost 50 operating hours this week, while unfavorable weather and ongoing equipment failures were the primary operational limitations in Durban. While there were only minor delays at the Port of Richards Bay, unfavorable weather and maritime equipment failures primarily affected operations in our Eastern Cape ports. The Maersk Vilnius 502N said this week that it will cut and run from the Port of Cape Town because she has a tight deadline to reach dry dock in Shanghai, which has recently advanced. The Kalahari Express had to take refuge in Europe for safety due to unfavorable weather conditions. She will therefore arrive in South Africa later than expected. Furthermore, the most recent reports indicate that the ConCor line has had a derailment. It appears that two lines were impacted; one line has already resumed operations, and the other will be recommissioned prior to the weekend.
Key Notes:
- An average of ~11 548 TEUs was handled per day, with ~12 123 TEUs projected for next week.
- Rail cargo handled out of Durban was reported at 2 757 containers, up ↑12% from last week.
- SARS December trade stats – exports: ↓11,2% (m/m); imports ↓1,1%; YTD trade surplus: R196,1 billion.
Port operations – General:
- In our container terminals, an increased average of 11 548 TEUs was handled per day, up from 10 368 TEUs last week.
- For the coming week, an increased average of ~12 123 TEUs (↑5%) is predicted to be handled.
- Adverse weather conditions, high swells, and equipment breakdowns and shortages characterised port operations.
- The Port of Cape Town conceded around 50 operational hours this week due to strong winds, dense fog, and equipment breakdowns, while the main operational constraints in Durban proved to be adverse weather and continuous equipment breakdowns.
- Operations at our Eastern Cape Ports were mainly impacted by unfavourable weather and marine equipment breakdowns, while minimal delays were reported at the Port of Richards Bay.
- This week, the Maersk Vilnius 502N announced that it will cut and run from the Port of Cape Town as she is required to proceed to dry dock in Shanghai with a strict deadline, which has moved forward recently.
- Due to adverse weather conditions, the Kalahari Express had to seek shelter in Europe for safety reasons. As a result, she will be delayed in South Africa.
- Additionally, the latest reports suggest a recent derailment occurred on the ConCor line.
- Two lines were seemingly affected, with one line already back in service and the second line to be recommissioned before the weekend.
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