The operational hurdles faced this week included network issues, unfavorable weather, regular equipment failures and shortages, and terminal gate congestion, primarily brought on by a lack of serviceable equipment. This week, with more than 23 800 and 47 000 TEUs detained at outer anchorage, respectively, the Ports of Cape Town and Durban were placed back under the Port Congestion Watch. At the Ro-Ro terminal in Durban, the Maydon Wharf MPT, and the Agri-bulk terminal, G-course system modifications were done during the week, while the FPSO incoming vessel operation in Durban was done on Monday, 10 October 2023, and it caused a delay of almost eight hours in operations. Additionally, towards the end of the week, cable theft and vandalism on the line connecting Durban and Newcastle caused a 12-hour operation delay.
Key Notes:
- An average of ~7 065 containers was handled per day, with ~8 232 containers projected for next week.
- Rail cargo handled out of Durban amounted to 2 499 containers for the week, ↑6% (w/w).
- Cross-border queue times were ↑3,2 hours (w/w), with transit times ↑0,9 hours (w/w); SA borders increased by ~2,6 hours, averaging ~10,2 hours (↑34%); Other SADC borders averaged ~10,0 hours (↑3%).
- CTS container throughput in August (dry & reefer) is up by ↑1,5% (m/m) and up by ↑3,7% (y/y).
- Global freight rates decreased by ↓1,5% (or $21) to $1 369 per 40-ft container this week. YTD: $1 729.
- Global air tonnages dropped by ↓2%, with capacity slightly down and rates continuing to creep up.
Port operations – General:
- This week’s operational constraints revolved around network challenges, adverse weather conditions, frequent equipment breakdowns and shortages, and congestion inside the terminal gates, mainly due to insufficient usable equipment.
- The Ports of Cape Town and Durban returned to the Port Congestion Watch this week with more than 23 800 – and 47 000 TEUs stuck at outer anchorage, respectively.
- G-course system upgrades were conducted at the Ro-Ro terminal in Durban, the Maydon Wharf MPT, and the Agri-bulk terminal during the week, while the FPSO incoming vessel operation in Durban took place on Monday, 10 October 2023, and delayed operations for approximately eight hours.
- In addition, cable theft and vandalism occurred on the line between Durban and Newcastle towards the latter end of the week and delayed operations for approximately 12 hours.