Compared to 12 013 TEUs last week, an average of 11 040 TEUs were handled daily in our container terminals. This week’s port operations were marked by unfavorable weather, empty berths, and equipment failures and shortages. Strong winds caused operations in Cape Town to be delayed for over 35 hours, while unfavorable weather and equipment failures guaranteed operating delays in Durban. The primary operational limitations at our Eastern Cape ports were unoccupied berths and bad weather, while Richards Bay operations were hampered by a lack of maritime equipment and bad weather. Following last week’s malfunctions and fuel constraints, the Durban helicopter was finally put back into action earlier this week. Furthermore, TNPA has had a shortage of personnel due to the resignation of pilots who were “head-hunted” from overseas. Additionally, according to the most recent information, the floating crane won’t be operational until about November 26. Lastly, TFR provided very few operational reports this week.
Key Notes:
- An average of ~11 040 TEUs was handled per day, with ~10 803 TEUs projected for next week.
- TNPA stats for October: containers are down by a sizable ↓29% (m/m) but are up ↑6% (y/y). Bulk volumes are also down by ↓17% (m/m) and ↓5% (y/y). Vehicles are also down (↓23%, m/m and ↓15%, y/y).
- Rail cargo handled out of Durban was reported at 3 489 containers, up ↑3% from last week.
- Cross-border queue: ↑0,2 hrs; transit: ↑0,6 hrs; SA borders: 17,0 hrs (↑33%); SADC: 5,0 hrs (↑2%).
Port operations – General:
- In our container terminals, an average of 11 040 TEUs was handled per day, down from 12 013 TEUs last week.
- Port Operations this week were characterised by adverse weather conditions, vacant berths, and equipment breakdowns and shortages.
- Operations were delayed in Cape Town for more than 35 hours due to strong winds, while adverse weather and equipment breakdowns ensured operational delays in Durban.
- Vacant berths and inclement weather represented the main operational constraints at our Eastern Cape Ports, while operations were delayed in Richards Bay due to unavailable marine equipment and poor weather conditions.
- The Durban helicopter made a welcome return to service earlier this week after the breakdowns and fuel shortages experienced last week.
- Additionally, TNPA has also been impacted by the resignation of pilots who have been “head-hunted” from abroad, leaving a shortage of resources.
- Further, the latest reports indicate that the floating crane will be out of commission until around 26 November. Finally, minimal operational reports were received from TFR this week
Read more:
Cargo Movement Report – Full Report
Cargo Movement Report – Summary Report