The main factors affecting port operations were bad weather, malfunctioning equipment, distressed ships, and vessel ranging. This week, operational delays were certain in Cape Town due to heavy winds and vessel ranging, while Durban operations were mostly hindered by strong winds, a fire at Berth 108, and equipment malfunctions. This week, bad weather and a troubled ship caused operations at our ports in the Eastern Cape to be delayed; in the Port of Richards Bay, there were just minor disruptions. The sector should also be aware that a distress vessel that berthed at NCT on Wednesday may cause disruptions to operations over the course of the next two weeks. Positive news came about the sentencing of four offenders who had been detained for stealing and causing damage to vital TFR infrastructure. In addition, CTCT plans to introduce a dependability program for each of its nine STS cranes in September.
Key Notes:
- An average of ~6 747 containers was handled per day, with ~7 873 containers projected for next week.
- Rail cargo handled out of Durban was reported at 2 915 containers, down ↓5% from last week.
- Cross-border queue: no change; transit: ↓0,9 hrs; SA borders: 11,3 hrs (↑1%); SADC: 4,8 hrs (↓19%).
- China’s share of global containerised trade rose to 41,3% in 2023; Durban ranks 79th globally.
- Container rates have decreased for a fifth consecutive week – by ↓2,0% (or $109) to $5 319/40ft.
- Global air cargo is ↓7%, while the average rate remained stable and increased by ↑1% to $2,49/kg.
Port operations – General:
- Port operations were primarily impacted by adverse weather conditions, distressed vessels, equipment breakdowns, and vessel ranging.
- Strong winds and vessel ranging ensured operational delays in Cape Town this week, while operations in Durban were mainly constrained by strong winds, a fire at Berth 108, and equipment breakdowns.
- Adverse weather conditions and a distressed vessel delayed operations at our Eastern Cape Ports this week, while minimal delays were reported at the Port of Richards Bay.
- Additionally, the industry should note that operations at NCT might be subject to delays over the next two weeks due to a distress vessel that berthed at the terminal on Wednesday.
- Encouraging reports highlighted the sentencing of four criminals arrested after stealing and damaging essential TFR infrastructure.
- Furthermore, in September, CTCT will launch a reliability program for all its nine STS cranes.
Read more:
Cargo Movement Report – Full Report
Cargo Movement Report – Summary Report