This week’s port operations were mostly hampered by bad weather, shortages and malfunctions of equipment, and traffic. This week’s adverse weather and strong seas caused operational disruptions at the Cape Town Port, whereas Durban’s primary operational bottlenecks turned out to be traffic and equipment issues. We had operational delays at our ports in the Eastern Cape due to unfavorable weather and an engine malfunction on the MSC Capella. Furthermore, TFR on the ConCor did not record any significant events this week. Finally, this week the paucity of vessels calling at the Port of Cape Town caused anxiety within the business.
Key Notes:
- An average of ~7 408 containers was handled per day, with ~7 710 containers projected for next week.
- Rail cargo handled out of Durban was reported at 2 949 containers, up ↑8% from last week.
- Cross-border queue: ↑0,1; transit: ↓0,6 hrs; SA borders: 9,4 hrs (↓10%); SADC borders: 3,8 hrs (↓17%).
- SARS trade stats for May: exports are up by ↑5,7% (m/m), imports ↓0,5%, trade surplus of R20,5 billion.
- Freight rates continue to increase by ↑10,3% ($550), trading at $5 868 per 40-ft container.
- Global air cargo were up by ↑12% in H1 2024, with Africa up by ↑6%, in Q2. Prices are at $2,51/kg.
Port operations – General:
- Port operations this week were mainly constrained by adverse weather, equipment breakdowns and shortages, and congestion.
- Adverse weather and high swells disrupted operations at the Cape Town Port this week, while congestion and equipment challenges proved to be the main operational constraints in Durban.
- Adverse weather conditions and an engine failure on the MSC Capella ensured operational delays at our Eastern Cape ports.
- Additionally, no major incidents were reported by TFR on the ConCor this week.
- Lastly, this week, industry concerns were raised about the lack of vessels calling for the Port of Cape Town.
Read more:
Cargo Movement Report – Full Report
Cargo Movement Report – Summary Report