Operationally, the logistics and supply chain sector seems to be mostly back to normal. However, this week’s port operations were once again plagued by equipment failures and shortages, unfavorable weather, backlogs, and congestion. Unfortunately, our national ports had another difficult week as poor weather caused operational delays all throughout the week. Strong winds, for instance, caused 14 vessels to be delayed in Durban during the first part of the week, and terminals in Cape Town and the Eastern Cape saw windbound conditions on a number of occasions. Additionally, a number of equipment failures caused additional delays throughout the week, impeding our ability to recover.
Key Notes:
- An average of ~7 404 containers was handled per day, with ~10 183 containers projected for next week.
- Rail cargo handled out of Durban amounted to 1 546 containers, ↓12% compared to last week.
- Cross-border queue times were ↓1,9 hours, with transit times ↑10,2 hours, SA borders ~7 hours.
- Drewry’s container throughput dropped ↓0,5% (m/m) in August 2022 but remained at ↑1,7% (y/y)
- The “WCI” decreased for the 36th consecutive week, with spot rates down ↓3% ($95) to $3 050 per 40ft.
- Continued blanking has removed ~1,2 million TEU of capacity (~4,6% of the global cellular fleet).
- Air cargo volumes declined ↓8% (y/y) in October, and the outlook remains very uncertain.
- Air cargo freight rates in October are down ↓8,2% (m/m), 17,3% (y/y) but double that of 2019.
Port operations – General:
- Operationally, it appears as if the logistics and supply chain industry is back to normal for the most part.
- Nevertheless, port operations this week were again characterised by equipment breakdowns and shortages, adverse weather conditions, backlogs, and congestion.
- Our national ports, unfortunately, experienced another challenging week as adverse weather conditions ensured operational delays throughout the week.
- For example, in Durban, 14 vessels were delayed during the early stages of the week due to strong winds, while terminals in both Cape Town and the Eastern Cape were windbound on several occasions throughout the week.
- In addition, several equipment breakdowns led to further delays throughout the week – inhibiting our road to recovery.