Operationally, 8 396 containers were handled on average each day, which is more than the 7 384 containers handled the previous week (and more than anticipated, which is very encouraging). However, unfavourable weather, traffic, and equipment failures continued to be the main obstacles to port operations. This week, Cape Town experienced operational limitations due to strong winds and heavy fog; in Durban, unfavourable weather, a power outage, and equipment malfunctions hindered ideal performance. While some vessel movements in Richards Bay were delayed due to bad weather, operational delays at our Eastern Cape ports were guaranteed by unfavourable weather and equipment failures. Additionally, Monday saw no trains on the ConCor line between Johannesburg and Durban because the line was undergoing monthly maintenance. Regretfully, the most recent reports indicate that between Wednesday and Thursday, a tragic incident occurred at Pier 1 in Durban, leading to a fatality at the port.
Key Notes:
- An average of ~8 396 containers was handled per day, with ~8 556 containers projected for next week.
- Rail cargo handled out of Durban was reported at 2 666 containers, down ↓15% from last week.
- Cross-border queue: ↓3,6 hrs; transit: ↓1,5 hrs; SA borders: 10,9 hrs (↑9%); SADC: 4,3 hrs (↑48%).
- The top 10 global ocean carriers have 431 ships on order, representing a total capacity of 5,9 million TEU.
Port operations – General:
- Operationally, an average of 8 396 containers was handled per day, up compared to the 7 384 containers last week (and up versus predictions, which is very promising).
- Nevertheless, port operations were still primarily constrained by adverse weather, congestion, and equipment breakdowns.
- Strong winds and dense fog caused operational constraints in Cape Town this week; adverse weather, a power failure, and equipment breakdowns prevented optimal performance in Durban.
- Inclement weather conditions and equipment breakdowns ensured operational delays at our Eastern Cape Ports, while several vessel movements were delayed in Richards Bay due to poor weather.
- Additionally, no trains were moving on the ConCor line between Johannesburg and Durban on Monday due to monthly maintenance being conducted on the line.
- Sadly, the latest reports suggest that an unfortunate incident took place at Pier 1 in Durban between Wednesday and Thursday, which resulted in a fatality at the port.
Read more:
Cargo Movement Report – Full Report
Cargo Movement Report – Summary Report