Construction at Durban Port bodes well for citrus shippers

Durban port construction, specifically work on the Pier 2 north quay, commences in June, at the height of the citrus export season. However, thanks to advance planning, one consequence may be improved service for citrus shippers in what is shaping up as a better than average year for exports. “The message can go out to the industry that DCT (Durban Container Terminal) and shipping lines are gearing up to streamline reefer business this season, and ground operations should be better than what was previously seen, although anticipation of a bumper crop and further migration of citrus to containers could result in a 10-15% increase in citrus container volume transiting through DCT this year,” the Citrus Growers’ Association (CGA) told its shippers last week. Seeking to determine how port construction will impact its shipments, CGA representatives met with senior staff of DCT and worked on ways to reduce bottlenecks. “DCT and shipping lines (particularly Maersk and Safmarine) are gearing themselves up to focus more on citrus reefers routed through DCT Pier 1 and 2 for the coming season. Pier 2 re-construction of the quay wall could, but is not expected to, affect the Maersk and Safmarine main Europe and Middle East strings,” the CGA said in a report to its shippers. On the contrary, CGA noted, “The transfer of general non main string vessels to MW and Point locations could be beneficial by reducing the general congestion into DCT from Bayhead point. The MSC EU and Far East pendulum service has been moved over to Pier 1 from Pier 2 so we should see better service levels and plug-in availability at both terminals this season. Plug-in points have been increased by 30% at Pier 2, to 1400 FEU, and are stacked four high at the new reefer stack at RR3. Backup generators will be brought in by DCT if demand exceeds available plug in points. “The road upgrade between Langeberg Road and Pier 1 is due for completion by June and this should allow the free passage of trucks into the zone, hopefully reducing the bottlenecks commonly seen along Bayhead Road,” noted the CGA. One shipper told FTW, “Citrus shippers have always had problems with congestion at Durban, and we anticipated real delays because of the port construction this year. It’s good news that by trying to avoid that, port managers may be addressing longerterm causes for the delays and congestion and finding permanent solutions.”