... after strike-induced EL diversion Terry Hutson THE GEX service, comprising NYK, CSAV and Norsul operating between the Far East, Durban and South American east coast ports, has reverted to weekly calls at Durban after the 11-ship fleet was diverted to East London in December because of strike action in Durban. "Although it proved costly the diversion worked well, with the port of East London giving us unbelievable support. Their productivity was excellent," said Jerry Hookins, managing director of NYK in South Africa. The GEX service includes extremely tight 'just in time' cargo consisting of light delivery truck and lorry imports for the Toyota assembly plant in Durban, and Nissan and DaimlerChrysler vehicles. In the case of DaimlerChrysler imports and exports things worked out well, as the factory is situated in East London, but an average of 40 containers per week of Toyota parts and vehicles had to be road hauled to Durban at a cost of R6 000 per truck. "Although this cost us R240 000 per week it was better than having the ships delayed outside Durban for a week or more," explained Hookins. He said that the self-geared ships employed on the service had been chosen for their suitability for East London in case they had to divert from Durban.
