Durban dredging affects CT volumes

Container volumes at the Port of Cape Town were slightly down in July but when compared to the same period last year they have increased. According to a spokesman for the port, volumes have decreased by 1.6% in the past few months with June the only month where targets were exceeded. “But in comparison to the same period last year volumes are up by 1.5%,” the spokesman said. The global economic downturn is believed to be one of the main contributors to the lack of volume growth while the continued dredging issue at the Port of Durban is also impacting. “Durban cannot handle the heavier vessels at the moment as it does not have the water depth which ultimately impacts the volumes at all the other ports in the country as well,” said an industry source. “Liners want a smooth sail around the country and for that you need the country’s biggest and busiest port to be able to handle the bigger vessels.” In July the Cape Town Container Terminal handled only around 66 000 TEUs while the target was 67 000.