SEVERAL READERS responded to the
invitation from SA
Port Operations chief executive Tau Morwe to direct any questions and problems regarding port operations and efficiency to him via FTW (FTW
April 12, 2002).
George le Merle, SAEL, Durban:
l What is the nature of the legal relationship between NPA and SAPO ?
l In the event of non-
performance on the part of SAPO, what sanction can the NPA , as landlord of Port Authority, impose on SAPO?
l Does a contractual
relationship exist between SAPO and the NPA, for the use of NPA land by SAPO?
l If so, is such a contract legally enforceable given that NPA and SAPO are both part of the same legal entity ?
l How will the NPA's concessioning process affect SAPO ?
Please advise the outcome of the award of the tender for the Business Ring-Fencing of SAPO which was advertised in December 2001, as no feedback has been received by the port users/ stakeholders.
What is the envisaged future for SAPO ? What has to be achieved by the CEO during SAPO's lifespan and how far along this route has SAPO already travelled ? (i.e. What has been achieved to date in moving towards its ultimate goal?)
Ron Peterson, shipping/logistics manager, Samsung, Johannesburg:
Our biggest and most costly concern is the free period offered in Durban Container Terminal.
Why was City Deep given a longer free
period than Durban?
Bentley Cook, AECI, Modderfontein:
Something definitely has to be done about the revised tariffs - your articles in FTW have already outlined the problems arising from these.
Otherwise, definite compliments to Portnet regarding the improved security and safety
consciousness in the port of Durban.
Roderick Eaton, marketing manager
Johannesburg of ISS - Voigt Shipping:
With regard to the increase in tariff rates, although the increase is high the tariff figures are comparable to world norms. The real cost killer to the ship owner is the wasted time in SA ports because of berthing delays, restrictive practices, poor supervisory skills.
Industry is keen to get involved in the privatisation of facilities.
Users will then be able to control their own destinies and move productivity up a few notches.
The port planning meetings at the ports, and Durban in particular, seem to be falling apart. Managers seem to have little idea of what ships are due and what they are due to load.
What can we do to help pass on skills to the new management teams?
Can POD confirm they will pay Spoornet the railage
difference for containers shipped through Port Elizabeth and Cape Town to/ from Gauteng to allow Durban to accelerate their upgrade programmes? (The other problem is do Spoornet have the rail wagons
and locos to perform this function?)
