Durban efficiency breakdown forces switch to Maputo

The need for alternative shipping solutions for fresh produce in particular has become all too cogent given ongoing congestion in the port of Durban and the disastrous Transnet strike, says Delena Engelbrecht, MD of South African service provider, GoReefers Logistics. “We have for some time been arguing that Maputo (Mozambique’s main port) needs a new focus in this regard. “Now GoReefers has implemented new shipping logistics which has not only proved that Maputo is a real alternative to sthipping through the port of Durban but that it also saves money for growers and exporters.” Engelbrecht says GoReefers fully understands the importance of the most competitive cost chain. “Recently, when the South African industry faced its biggest challenge in recent history in the form of the national transport workers’ strike, we provided solutions in the midst of the crisis in order to keep the exports flowing.” One measure resorted to was increased use of Maputo to alleviate critical congestion in Durban. “The strike in the container terminals and possible disruption due to the Fifa World Cup again confirms that chaos costs money. “Congestion surcharges introduced as a result of the strike further exacerbated the problem for South African industry.” Engelbrecht says South African industry can ill afford the pressure on its bottom line already suffering due to world recession and the strength of the South African currency, factors of which GoReefers is all too keenly aware, hence the need for greater efficiencies in the cost chain. “Innovation is the key to creating competitive cost chains and this is what has been shown by the Maputo solution, says Sharon Cilliers, GoReefers executive charged with marketing. “By launching our new back-to-back store in Maputo, GoReefers has already achieved significant savings for growers and exporters.” The GoReefers solution has shown that the Mozambique port offers a cost saving of R3.57 per carton loaded from the Maputo Cold Store, compared with the cost in Durban. “By loading containers in Maputo according to the GoReefers Back-to-Back option, a saving of R6.06/ carton has been achieved compared with Durban and savings of R2.83/carton are achieved in Maputo by loading specialises reefer vessels compared with the same in Durban.” Last week, the Citrus Growers’ Association said delays in the Port of Durban were costing growers in the region of R72 million a season, estimated to be based on a minimum of 12 hours’ delay per load (R3 600 per load) and that some 20 000 citrus-laden trucks enter the port of durban during the peak season.