Citrus navigates a smooth journey to Europe

KEVIN MAYHEW
DESPITE A late start to the winter produce exporting season - particularly citrus - movement through Durban harbour has gone smoothly compared with previous years.
Tania Jennings, co-owner of specialist perishable freighting company Ocean Forwarding & Logistics (OFL) in Durban, says that there have been no delays to both container and breakbulk exports to all destinations, and in particular to Europe and UK - the main destination for South Africa’s winter export produce through Rotterdam and Sheerness in Britain.
“The cold chain has stood up very well and the whole effort has been going very smoothly. This can be attributed to extra available cold storage space in Durban, vessels keeping to schedule, and minimised port congestion problems. The main reefer shipping lines have also moved their reefer containers into Durban and, at the moment, there is an oversupply rather than an undersupply of equipment,” she explained.
She adds that the European bulk route benefited from an extra weekly vessel supplied by Lauritzen Cool out of Durban.
The winter season is characterised by movement of citrus, avocados and sweet potatoes by OFL, which changes to mangoes and litchis destined for the Far East in summer.
“The quality of the fruit this year has also been excellent,” she adds.
Ocean Forwarding & Logistics also handles non-perishable business and dry cargo.