'CT needs to attract more transhipment cargo'

The Port of Cape Town should be using its strategic position to attract more transhipments, says chief planning and logistics manager for the Cape Town Container Terminal, David Davids. “It is the first and last port of call, giving it a unique advantage to provide services to the automotive and agricultural industries to name but two,” said Davids. “But to attract more transhipments it is essential that the port functions efficiently and effectively, proving to shipping lines that this is the place to stop for transhipments,” he said. “We are not only able to service the north/south route, but also the east/west trade. However we have to be able to show the lines that we can turn their vessels around faster than any of the other ports along the African coast.” Also, with new generation vessels, there are not that many options in Africa for vessels to berth. “Cape Town can be a hub for north-south cargo, while it can also grow its volumes on the east/west pipeline,” said Davids. And with its wellestablished road and rail links there is much economic benefit to the province if the port can grow its volumes. “Currently we handle about 28% exports, 30% imports, while about 26% is empty containers and 36% transhipments,” he said.