Reload Logistics – Aquarius Shipping International has doubled its handling and storage capacity through Durban.According to Ivailo Gueorguiev, the company recently acquired a new 60 000-square-metre facility in Bayhead, while maintaining its secondary facility of 20 000sqm in Mobeni.“These facilities have allowed us ample yard space for full and empty container storage to supplement our throughput capacity,” said Gueorguiev. “The added yard space has also allowed us to increase our focus on project cargo handling and increase our equipment base to handle heavy and abnormal cargoes.”Both facilities have SOS and OS bonds for handling and storage of transit and local imports and exports out of Durban. Commenting on challenges in the Durban environment, Gueorguiev said the shortage of container equipment and vessel capacity out of the Port of Durban remained problematic. “The annual reefer season adds to the space issue. We have, however, learned our lessons from the past and have developed strategies to ensure clients’ cargo has minimal dwell time.”Port congestion due to weather and other factors continues to hamper operations at times but Reload-ASI has found innovative ways to mitigate these challenges. “It must be said that improvements have been made regarding the congestion at the port thanks to the appointment systems put in place. We are looking forward to further efficiencies being implemented by Transnet as other solutions are introduced at the port.”Gueorguiev said while various ports in southern Africa were continuing to develop, there was currently a lack of consistency in the capacity for throughput, and pricing to various destinations could change drastically in very short periods.“Durban will continue to be the main hub for exports and imports into southern Africa for the foreseeable future. To achieve this, however, all stakeholders will have to continue to share the common goal of improving efficiency and pricing.”
