Compared to 10 176 TEUs last week, an average of 12 013 TEUs were handled daily in our container terminals. Unfavourable weather, an empty berth, and equipment failures and shortages were the key factors limiting port operations. Unfavourable weather combined with equipment failures guaranteed operating delays in Durban, while bad weather caused operations in Cape Town to be delayed for over 30 hours. The MPT’s lack of readiness was the primary cause of delays in Richards Bay, and a vacant berth and bad weather were the primary operational limitations in our Eastern Cape Ports. Zutari, a renowned infrastructure and consultancy firm, has been appointed by TNPA as the Transaction Advisor to validate the Island View Precinct Strategy and implementation plan for the Port of Durban, the agency said this week. Additionally, according to the most recent allegations, TFR acknowledged that inquiries into bribery offered in exchange for contracts are still being conducted.
Key Notes:
- An average of ~12 013 TEUs was handled per day, with ~11 302 TEUs projected for next week.
- Rail cargo handled out of Durban was reported at 3 387 containers, up ↑3% from last week. Cross-border queue: ↑1,8 hrs; transit: ↑1,6 hrs; SA borders: 12,8 hrs (↑41%); SADC: 4,9 hrs (↑40%).
- Container carriers’ profit margins in Q3 2024 for the top nine liners rose to ↑33% from ↑16% in Q2.
Port operations – General:
- In our container terminals, an average of 12 013 TEUs was handled per day, significantly up from 10 176 TEUs last week.
- Port operations were constricted mainly by adverse weather, a vacant berth, and equipment breakdowns and shortages.
- Operations were delayed in Cape Town for more than 30 hours due to poor weather conditions, while adverse weather, accompanied by equipment breakdowns, ensured operational delays in Durban.
- A vacant berth and inclement weather represented the main operational constraints at our Eastern Cape Ports, as the majority of delays in Richards Bay stemmed from the MPT being unprepared.
- This week, TNPA reported that it has appointed Zutari, a leading infrastructure and advisory firm, as the Transaction Advisor to validate the Island View Precinct Strategy and implementation plan for the Port of Durban.
- Furthermore, the latest reports suggest that TFR confirmed that investigations are ongoing concerning bribes solicited to secure contracts.
Read more:
Cargo Movement Report – Full Report
Cargo Movement Report – Summary Report