Durban port must up its game to compete

Dealing with Transnet Port Terminals (TPT) can be frustrating, but hopes are high that the parastatal will see the benefit of improving efficiency and implementing solutions. So says Carl Webb, managing director of Project Logistics Management, specialists in abnormal and project transport logistics across the country. “Improved efficiency by TPT will result in improved revenue, which will make everyone’s lives easier, and keep costs manageable,” says Webb. “While TPT management is willing to meet with the industry and discuss problems, a major problem remains the implementation of solutions.” Two major challenges in Durban/ Richards Bay at present involve dealing with TPT, and abnormal load routes out of KZN, says Webb. “TPT is constantly changing operating procedures which causes unnecessary delays in uplifting cargo from the port,” says Webb. “Their restricted working hours and shortage of equipment have also contributed to increased costs being incurred, which is particularly irritating in these economic times. In spite of assurances at meetings with TPT management, promised solutions are not implemented. The abnormal load routes out of Durban have been restricted due to the closure of the PX depot by-pass, which has resulted in clients having to ship some cargo via Richards Bay, which obviously results in increases in costs.” He says they have tried to discuss the requirement to keep the high route out of Durban open, but Transnet Properties have chosen to ignore requests, and have rented the property out. “The fact that the floating crane is situated in Durban, which has both height and mass restrictions, is also difficult to comprehend. The route limitations out of Durban compel clients to ship cargo via Richards Bay on self-geared vessels, which cost substantially more than conventional vessels on regular sailing schedules. The superload route out of Richards Bay is also under repair until mid-2011, creating an additional problem in locating alternative routes.” The matter is currently being addressed by the newly formed Superload Council of South Africa ( SCSA ), but to further compound the problem the existing route via Pongola, Piet Retief and Ermelo has always been kept open for superloads when undertaking repairs in the past, but for some reason Sanral has decided to close the route for the duration of the latest repairs. “It is not a simple matter to locate alternative superload routes. Not only do all bridges and structures require investigation to determine their capacity and state of repair, but suitable lay-bys for superload vehicles have to be identified or created, all of which increases the costs substantially. All of the costs mentioned are obviously passed on to the client, which results in increased cost to projects in South Africa,” says Webb. On a positive note, the KZNPA and Free State abnormal permit authorities, says Webb, have eased certain restrictions on moving abnormal cargo over weekends, which has resulted in a drop in traffic congestion and an increase in client service and vehicle utilisation. In the meantime Webb believes that as the ports of Ngqura, Walvis Bay, Maputo and Beira continue to up their game, TPT in Durban will have to address issues if it wants to remain competitive. “There is no doubt that Durban is a main port of entry for cargo into the interior and an important port, but it is going to have to up its game,” says Webb.