The main things that prevented port operations from happening were bad weather, labor disputes, difficulties with the systems, and equipment malfunctions. At the end of the week, strong winds caused an eight-hour delay in Cape Town operations. Cranes 520 and 521 at DCT Pier 2 South Quay are expected to be back in service by the end of June and the end of August, respectively. The Eastern Cape saw operating delays due to dense fog and strong winds, while Richards Bay experienced an eight-hour delay due to non-functioning marine boats.
Key Notes:
- An average of ~7 754 containers was handled per day, with ~8 103 containers projected for next week.
- Cross-border queue times were ↓0,2 hours (w/w), with transit times ↓5,1 hours (w/w); SA borders increased
slightly by ~0,2 hours, averaging ~12,0 hours (↑2%); Other SADC borders averaged ~4,2 hours (↓35%). - In the charter market, rates are trending at 1 158 points, up by ↑3,4% (w/w) and up by ↑10% (y/y).
- Global freight rates have again decreased this week – by ↓2,0% (or $74) to $3 659 per 40-ft container.
- Average worldwide air cargo rates are $2,24 per kg, down by ↓16% (y/y) but still ↑26% pre-COVID.
Port operations – General:
- Adverse weather, union engagements, system challenges, and equipment breakdowns were the main inhibitors to port operations.
- Strong winds delayed operations in Cape Town for approximately eight hours towards the end
of the week, while cranes 520 and 521 at DCT Pier 2 South Quay are anticipated to return to
service by the end of June and end of August, respectively. - Dense fog coupled with strong winds ensured operational delays in the Eastern Cape, while operations were delayed for around eight hours in Richards Bay due to marine crafts being out of service.