The Durban Container Terminal (DCT) has granted port users a period of grace ahead of the implementation of changes to its free import storage rules.
DCT announced on Monday that it had extended the implementation date of changes to the import storage rule fee by one month after "robust engagements with its stakeholders" in August.
DCT Pier 2 has now moved implementation from September 1 to October 1, while DCT Pier 1 has moved its implementation date from October 1 to November 1.
The rule change follows the DCT's recent reassessment of the free 72 hours it allows an importer to collect a container. Previously, the counting of the free 72 hours would start after all the containers on a vessel had been offloaded.
Under the new rule the counting of the free 72 hours will begin 24 hours after a container has been discharged from the vessel and placed in the stacking area.
In announcing the rule change, DCT confirmed that there would be no change in the tariff regime and that there would be no additional charges for importers.
Transporters will receive notifications in real-time from the terminal operating system Navis to ensure effectiveness and swift collection.
DCT managing executive Earl Peters said the change in the free import storage rule was aimed at improving yard fluidity and container handling efficiencies, while ensuring fluidity on public roads and within the operational area at the terminals.
“We have decided to change the implementation dates so that our stakeholders can adequately prepare their systems, customers and supply chains to integrate with the changes,” Peters said.
The rule change will be applicable to vessels berthing from the first day of implementation.
Vessels that commence work before the implementation date and end after the implementation date will follow the previous rule and will be billed accordingly.
DCT has embarked on various initiatives to maintain terminal fluidity, including the container appointment system, which will ensure that terminals are treated as throughput facilities.
“Through this initiative, we are able to optimise existing capacity, and importantly, eliminate wasted time as congestion in the stacking area slows down the operation," Peters said
He added that the new rule would discourage the truck congestion associated with pick up in the last 24 hours of the allocated free 72 hours.
Truck congestion around the Durban port area has left local motorists frustrated for years.
