The Cape Town Container Terminal is implementing mitigation measures to deal with the impact of adverse weather conditions on operations during the current peak deciduous fruit export season.
Transnet Port Terminals managing executive for the Western Cape, Andiswa Dlanga, said the container terminal’s operations had been impacted by weather challenges since November 2022, with 584.76 hours of wind speeds ranging from 80 to 120 kilometres per hour.
This has had an impact on vessels on the quay and those waiting at anchorage. Productivity has also been impacted, although the terminal continues to assist vessel operations and the landside where feasible, despite windy conditions.
However, in line with the terminal’s safety operating procedure (SOP), the terminal cannot operate beyond wind speeds of 80km per hour to ensure the safety of employees and equipment.
She said the terminal, which is currently at the peak of the deciduous fruit export season, had serviced 79 vessels, loading 94 204 TEUs destined for various locations across the globe.
“As the Cape Town Container Terminal, we will continue doing our best in keeping the terminal operational and serving our customers, despite the consistent weather disruptions,” Dlanga added.
“We have put measures in place to boost productivity and reduce berthing delays through maintaining maximum manning levels of seven gangs. We are also exploring options to optimise productivity even in windy seasons.”
