Durban terminal congestion cripples logistics performance

ALAN PEAT
THERE IS a crisis looming for the Durban container terminal (DCT), according to Lawrie Bateman, director of MSC Logistics.
The shipping industry is well aware of the congestion surcharge imposed by the shipping lines against the Port of Durban and the rationale behind it, he told FTW.
It is also quite common knowledge that there have been delays moving traffic in-and-out of the terminal by rail due to the shortage of locomotives and rail wagons - although this has been rectified to a large extent, according to Bateman.
“What is not generally known,” he said, “is that delays are suffered by road transporters queueing to enter the terminal.
“For first hand experience, try driving down Langeberg Road to the terminal entrance - especially after the famous 14:00-hours terminal staff shift change.
“The Harbour Carriers Association together with other shipping bodies discussed this issue with SA Port Operations (Sapo) more than a year ago - with feasible suggestions on how to overcome the problem.”
But Sapo has indicated that what happens outside the terminal is not its concern.
“In an attempt to portray a squeaky clean image,” said Bateman, “they are producing great gate-in/gate-out performance statistics to show there is no delay inside the terminal.
“This is great when you have full control over when and how many trucks are allowed at specific times inside the terminal - to ensure no major delays are recorded against you.”
But this does not take into consideration increased volumes of container traffic during peak periods.
“Apparently only now, one year later,” said Bateman, “is Sapo considering increasing the number of vehicles allowed inside the terminal.
“They have also indicated that they will discuss with the municipality how to divide the exit road into two lanes to allow an additional entry lane.”
Meantime, asked Bateman, who suffers?
“Importers and exporters to some degree,” he said. “But bearing the brunt are the road transporters - especially the small contractors and owner drivers (one owner one truck) who are battling to survive.”
This has now led to growing desperation among the transporters, and an undercurrent of feeling which could result in a “delay” surcharge being imposed - similar to the congestion surcharge being paid by the importers and exporters to the shipping lines.
“The other alternative which is being mooted by some transporters,” said Bateman, “is a blockade of the terminal.
“I just hope sanity prevails and all parties concerned push through changes, urgently, to diffuse the situation.”