Port operations this week were characterized by unfavorable weather, strong swells, frequent equipment failures, load shedding, and congestion. Several vessel movements were slowed down this week at Cape Town due to poor visibility caused by fog at berths 601 and 604 of the container terminal, and the NCT was windbound for roughly 19 hours at the beginning of the week. Additionally, Transnet stated that throughout the holiday season, Pier 1 will be open from 6:00 until 14:00 and Pier 2 would be open continuously. The port will also be closed on Friday, December 16, and night shift operations will end from December 17, 2022, through December 31, 2022, according to NCT.
Key Notes :
- An average of ~7 764 containers was handled per day, with ~8 553 containers projected for next week.
- Rail cargo handled out of Durban amounted to 2 288 containers, ↑22% compared to last week.
Cross-border queue times were ↑0,9 hours, with transit times ↓1 hour, SA borders ~7,6 hours (↓5%). - Carrier volumes fell by ↓4,6%; however, results vary across lines, with some maintaining volumes.
- The “WCI” decreased for the 42nd consecutive week, with spot rates down ↓1% ($12) to $2 127 per 40ft.
- Air cargo volumes are declining, with the current levels down by ↓13% (y/y) and ↓6,2% (w/w).
Port operations – General :
- This week, port operations were characterised by adverse weather conditions, high swells, frequent equipment breakdowns, load-shedding, and congestion.
- Cape Town experienced a challenging week as numerous vessel movements were delayed due to fog impairing visibility at berths 601 and 604 at the container terminal, while NCT was windbound for approximately 19 hours during the early stages of the week.
- In addition, Transnet reported that Pier 1 would be operational between 06:00 and 14:00 during the festive period, while Pier 2 would remain operational 24 hours a day.
- Furthermore, NCT reported that the port will be closed on Friday, 16 December, after which night shift operations will cease from 17 December 2022 to 8 January 2023.