Durban delays raise surcharge threat

RAY SMUTS
MAERSK LINE may consider imposing a US$50/TEU (about R383) surcharge, should the current backlog at Durban container terminal continue to hover above the 16-hour mark. Per Heisselberg, the line’s new MD for Southern Africa, says it appears current delays of between 45 and 50 hours can be ascribed to a combination of inclement weather and inefficiencies at the terminal. Strong winds have hampered Durban port activities, particularly in August and September. He confirms ongoing delays could result in more vessels diverting instead to Port Elizabeth and Cape Town, and that Maersk Line is working closely with South African Port Operations (Sapo) to ensure delays cause as little disruption as possible to freight clients. Heisselberg could not be reached for further comment as FTW’s deadline came and went on Monday (October 16), but we will keep readers informed of the latest state of play next week. Sapo, the Transnet subsidiary handling container operations at all ports, was to have met in Durban on Friday afternoon (October 13) to discuss the delays but communications manager, Lunga Ngcobo, could not be reached for comment either. Stuart Symington, CEO of the Fresh Produce Exporters' Forum, tells FTW it is “absolutely essential” South African export fruit reaches its destination timeously. Commenting on the current Durban scenario, he says: “Poor weather is one thing but port inefficiencies another and that is totally inexcusable.” The last large surcharge, US$100/TEU, was imposed at the Port of Durban in 2003.