Port operations were mostly impeded by unfavorable weather, equipment malfunctions, and system difficulties. Strong winds, vessel range, and system issues caused delays in Port of Cape Town operations. At the same time, most of the delays in Durban were caused by malfunctioning machinery and a lack of marine vessels. This week, bad weather and mechanical malfunctions cost the Eastern Cape more than 24 operating hours. In addition, this week’s bad weather caused some operational delays at the Port of Richards Bay. In addition, Monday’s major portion was spent without service on the Durban to The Reef line as a result of routine monthly maintenance.
Key Notes:
- An average of ~7 370 containers was handled per day, with ~8 333 containers projected for next week.
- Rail cargo handled out of Durban was reported at 2 857 containers, down ↓12% from last week.
- Cross-border queue and transit were unchanged; SA borders: 11,5 hrs (↑6%); SADC borders: 4,7 hrs (↓2%).
- Global container volume (dry & reefer) is down by ↓1,7% (m/m) and up by ↑6,3% (y/y) in June.
- Container spot rates again decreased – this week by ↓3,2% (or $185) and is trading at $5 551/40-ft
- Air cargo tonnages (measured in CTKs) were up by ↑14,1% compared to June 2023, according to IATA.
Port operations – General:
- Adverse weather, equipment breakdowns, and system challenges mainly constrained port operations. Vessel ranging, strong winds, and system challenges delayed Port of Cape Town operations.
- At the same time, equipment breakdowns and a shortage of marine crafts constituted the majority of delays in Durban.
- Over 24 operational hours were lost in the Eastern Cape this week due to inclement weather and equipment breakdowns.
- At the same time, the Port of Richards Bay experienced some operational delays this week due to adverse weather.
- Additionally, the line between Durban and The Reef was closed for the most significant part of Monday due to monthly maintenance on the line.
Read more:
Cargo Movement Report – Full Report
Cargo Movement Report – Summary Report