Peak port performance was still affected this week by a number of variables, including significant network difficulties, unfavorable weather, regular equipment failures and shortages, and congestion. This week, the Port of Cape Town was notably impacted on a number of fronts as its performance remained below average overall. At the same time, Durban’s operating delays this week were primarily caused by unfavorable weather and network problems. The Durban helicopter was out of operation for the entire week after experiencing a “EDU snag” late last week. Over the weekend, the technical crew intended to put the aircraft back into operation.Ten units are back online, but not enough for the MoorMaster system at NCT to be recommissioned, according to reports obtained earlier this week. Additionally, owing to routine maintenance, The ConCor line was down for the most of Monday.
Key Notes:
- An average of ~7 679 containers was handled per day, with ~6 672 containers projected for next week.
- Rail cargo handled out of Durban amounted to 2 335 containers for the week, ↓2% (w/w).
- SARS merchandise trade (August): exports (↑4,5%, m/m), imports (↑6,3%); YTD surplus: R32 billion.
- Cross-border queue times were ↓2,3 hours (w/w), with transit times ↑0,8 hours (w/w); SA borders increased by ~1,6 hours, averaging ~7,6 hours (↑27%); Other SADC borders averaged ~9,7 hours (↑10%).
- Global freight rates decreased by ↓1,1% (or $14) to $1 390 per 40-ft container this week. YTD: $1 738.
- Global cargo tonne-kilometres (CTKs) increased by ↑1,5% (y/y) in August, as rates moved up to $2,37/kg.
Port operations – General:
- Several factors still impacted peak port performance this week, notably extensive network challenges, adverse weather conditions, frequent equipment breakdowns and shortages, and congestion.
- The Port of Cape Town was particularly affected on numerous fronts this week as its
performance generally remained sub-par. - At the same time, adverse weather conditions and network issues in Durban were the main
culprits of operational delays there this week. - After picking up an “EDU snag” issue late last week, the Durban helicopter remained out of
commission for the entire week. - The technical team hoped to return the aircraft to service over the weekend.
- According to reports received earlier this week regarding the MoorMaster system at NCT, ten
units are back online but are not enough to see the machine recommissioned. - Additionally, The ConCor line was out of commission for most of Monday due to monthly maintenance.