Out-of-date equipment at the Port of Cape Town’s multi-purpose terminal (MPT) is impeding access, the Exporters’ Club Western Cape (ECWC) reports in its latest port update.
According to the club’s findings there are problems being experienced with ageing equipment, in particular stackers, which have created huge delays for trucks accessing the MPT.
Having identified what it believes is a significant barrier to fluid throughput at the terminal, the ECWC says this must be addressed as a matter of urgency.
Other than that, said club chair Terry Gale, things have been comparatively plain sailing at the port.
“We got off to a flourish this year. Our members are very excited about the African Continental Free-trade Area and the opportunities it’s making possible.
“It’s a major game-changer and everybody wants to get involved.”
As for the rest of the port’s performance, the update underscores Gale’s optimism about possible prospects for the year ahead.
This morning the update showed that only two employees had been placed in active isolation because of Covid-19, with “no operational impact”.
Even the weather appears to be playing along, with wind delays having decreased from 93 hours last week to 36 so far this week.
In total, 15 185 TEUs had been handled at the Cape Town Container Terminal (CTCT).
At the time the update was sent through, three vessels were berthed at the CTCT, with another three in the bay, expected to dock at midnight tonight.
As for Belcon, the inland container depot in Bellville, the update said it was operational with 70 reefer plug points.
Transnet Freight Rail, ECWC says, is also in the process of reviewing its tariffs for freighting cargo to CTCT.
“All in all,” Gale says, “we’re actually doing okay.”
