Container volumes on the rise in CT

Despite a reduction in imports, container volumes at the Port of Cape Town have increased according to Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) year-end results. More than 890 000 TEUs were handled at the port during the past financial year, significantly more than the previous year when the figure was less than 800 000, according to a well-placed source. Official figures have yet to be made public but it is believed that all sectors of the port performed extremely well, including the breakbulk and liquid bulk terminals that also made budget. “Dry bulk did not make budget but that was due to wheat and maize imports being significantly down. We did see a significant increase in cement imports, which boosted the breakbulk figures. What has been very surprising is the growth in containers despite the global economy being down and imports decreasing.” Shipping lines have indicated that imports are expected to remain depressed for the duration of 2015. Most lines are hoping for a significantly higher growth in exports than what is currently being seen. In a recent interview with FTW the newly appointed container manager for Transnet Port Terminals, Pam Yoyo, said growing volumes in and out of Cape Town was a top priority and that several strategies were in place to attract business.