The deciduous fruit industry has accepted that resorting to plan B, C and D is the order of the day given the reduced operational efficiencies at SA ports.
“Getting fruit to our markets will remain a big challenge in the foreseeable future,” says industry body Hortgro, “but efficiencies and capacity are slowly picking up, although these are not yet where they should be. Vessel delays and diversions are the order of the day.”
With global trade in all goods hard hit, there’s been a shortage of both vessels and containers, which may require the joint chartering of breakbulk reefers to counter the shortage of vessels - and more specifically containers.
“The breakbulk protocols have already been updated and are ready should these be required,” says Hortgro. Talks with pome and citrus exporters have been initiated to see how vessels could be shared in the best interests of both industries.”
