Fruit and vehicles expected to pump up volumes in PE

Ed Richardson EXPORTS OF fruit and imports of fully built up vehicles through the port of Port Elizabeth are expected to grow this year, according to port authority spokesperson Lize Hayward. She says a 5% growth is expected in the total volume of fruit exports, which includes containers and general cargo. However, a 9% increase is expected in fruit being shipped in containers only, while the volumes for general cargo is expected to be more or less the same as last year. An 8% increase is expected on the import of fully built up vehicles offloaded by Ro-Ro vessels. The vehicle terminal is being upgraded to cater for the additional volume. General container volumes are expected to remain the same as last year, she says. "However, the port has experienced a substantial increase (10%) in container traffic the last few months due to congestion in the Port of Durban," says Hayward. This follows a decision by SAECS to turn around in Port Elizabeth rather than suffer delays through congestion at Durban. "This is a temporary situation, which will last until further notice," says Hayward. The National Ports Authority has also prepared itself for an influx of passenger vessels in the Port of PE. There will be 13 calls on Port Elizabeth by passenger vessels between January and March this year. "Quayside activities to welcome these vessels are being organised and funded by the National Ports Authority in co-operation with local tourism institutions and businesses," she says. These activities include a marquee with various exhibitors, cultural dancers and music.