MEMBERS OF the bulk and breakbulk shipping industry, both owners and operators, have called on Portnet to address urgently what they have described as the catastrophic situation in all South African ports.
At a recent meeting in Johannesburg attended by ten of the major companies, concern was expressed at the severe delays being experienced in all ports, delays which are costing owners and operators millions of dollars (US) monthly.
Poor productivity and the non-availability of the majority of cargo at the port within the agreed laycan are the main points of concern.
Forum members say that in order to compensate the owners and operators for the costs of these delays, a number of issues need to be discussed with the shippers as a matter of urgency.
These include changing from CQD to load terms with the despatch and demurrage; vessels to arrive in ports only after cargo is available for loading; the implementation of a detention surcharge; and deadfreight to be charged due to non availability of cargoes.
The forum members have arranged to meet on a regular basis to monitor the situation and to discuss mutual shipping issues.
Companies represented at the meeting included Ahrenkiel Liner Service, Christiansen Canadian African Lines, Conti Lines (Polaris), Gearbulk, Island View Shipping, Metall und Rohstoff, Macs Maritime Carrier Shipping, Marine Commodity Lines-Sudamex, Nippon Yusen Kaisha and Southern Chartering.
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