It's a wake-up
call for SA ports
THE PORT of Hong Kong, home to what was until a year ago the world's largest and busiest container terminal, is fast losing its attraction to Chinese ports on the mainland, according to the Hong Kong Liner Shipping Association. The report says that if carriers are able to find alternative ports on the mainland they are taking their business there.
The knock-on effect of a 30% shift of cargo now moving through mainland Chinese ports saw the former British Colony recording zero growth in container throughput last year, where it has remained static at 14.5 million TEUs per annum. Singapore has now captured first place as the busiest container port with close to 16 million TEUs last year.
According to the Association, Hong Kong terminal operators will have to fight to get back the cargo lost, and warned that this trend will not be reversed simply by lowering terminal tariffs.
This situation has certain parallels with South African ports, as they begin to look competition in the face for the very first time, with container terminals and hub choices in neighbouring states and regions that are now beginning to come on stream, presenting ship operators with alternatives.
By Terry Hutson
Copyright Now Media (Pty) Ltd
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