Operationally, 10 691 TEUs were handled on average each day, which is more than the 9 482 TEUs handled the previous week. The main factors limiting port operations were bad weather, traffic, equipment failures, and shortages. This week’s primary operational concerns were unfavorable weather and a lack of ships calling at the Port of Cape Town. On the other hand, Durban had operational delays due to severe weather, traffic, and equipment failures. Strong winds and rainy weather in Richards Bay caused many vessel movements to be delayed, while unfavorable weather conditions hindered our Eastern Cape Ports from operating at their best. This week, the number of available straddle carriers in Durban fell to all-time lows, ranging from 39 to 47 out of a fleet of 88. Furthermore, according to reports this week, the Bayhead rail precinct flooded over the weekend but was able to resume operations on Tuesday as the pumps began to remove the water more quickly than it was pouring.
Key Notes:
- An average of ~10 691 TEUs was handled per day, with ~11 302 TEUs projected for next week.
- Rail cargo handled out of Durban was reported at 3 784 containers, up ↑47% from last week.
- Cross-border queue: ↓1,8 hrs; transit: ↓1,5 hrs; SA borders: 13,6 hrs (↓17%); SADC: 4,0 hrs (↓25%).
- The IMF projects global growth at ↑3,2% for 2024; South Africa at ↑1,1% (↑0,1 points above January).
Port operations – General:
- Operationally, an average of 10 691 TEUs was handled per day, up compared to the 9 482 TEUs last week.
- Port operations were mainly constrained by inclement weather conditions, congestion, equipment breakdowns and shortages.
- Adverse weather conditions and a shortage of vessels calling the Port of Cape Town represented this week’s main operational challenges.
- In contrast, extensive equipment breakdowns, congestion, and inclement weather ensured operational delays in Durban.
- Poor weather conditions prevented optimal operational performance at our Eastern Cape Ports, while several vessel movements were delayed in Richards Bay due to strong winds and rainy weather. Straddle carrier availability in Durban reached new lows this week as it fluctuated between 39 and 47 out of a fleet of 88.
- Additionally, reports this week suggested that the Bayhead rail precinct flooded over the weekend but resumed operations from Tuesday onwards as the pumps started draining the water quicker than the rate at which it was raining.
Read more:
Cargo Movement Report – Full Report
Cargo Movement Report – Summary Report