Bullish outlook for container volumes

Containerised cargo volumes
moving in and out of the
Port of Durban are expected
to pick up for the remaining six
months of 2009, says Roy Ramdiyal,
Safmarine regional executive for
Kwazulu Natal and Swaziland.
“This prediction comes off a low
base and total volumes for the year
are unlikely to be ahead of 2008
volumes,” he told FTW. “This said,
the mood is more buoyant as a result
of the increased volumes experienced
during the March to May 2009 period
and we’re hoping the positive trend
will continue.”
He says the firming of rand
against the US dollar, the decreasing
lending rates and a perceived
stabilisation of freight rate
levels have contributed to a slow
improvement in import volumes.
Ramdiyal also believes the impact
of ‘sub-economic’ rates on certain
trade routes will have to be addressed
if lines are to continue offering the
capacity currently committed.
Export-wise, he expects the
commodity market – especially
the heavy metals sector which has
become active again – to grow.
And reefer exports, which started
slow, are steadily picking up.
The current trade environment
remains a challenging one for South
African exporters and importers but
Ramdiyal says all stakeholders in the
logistics chain appear committed to
adding value and reducing costs.
“For example, port productivity has
been improved which has decreased
turn-around times. The staging area
in the port has also added immense
value as it has decreased port traffic
during peak periods.”
Safmarine has also enhanced its
focus on customer service. According
to Ramdiyal, the line’s National
Call Centre operated from Durban
is the only one of its kind for South
African shippers wanting a single
entry point for general information
such as estimated vessel arrival/
departure times, vessel stack dates
and the like.
“The Call Centre is just one way
we can add value because it allows
us to service our customers ‘The
Safmarine Way’ by giving them
quick, easy access to knowledgeable,
experienced Safmariners.”
The Centre is managed by Melissa
Sukdeo and Aarthi Mehta, and
Ramdiyal says customer response
to the Call Centre to date has been
extremely positive and encouraging.