The container vessel MSC Innes – which was badly damaged in the massive storm that hit the Port of Durban in October last year – is finally back in operation, according to national commercial director of the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), Glenn Delve.
He told FTW that there had been extensive damage to the hull after high winds grounded the massive ship near the port’s entrance canal.
“The port is also fully operational now and we have not experienced any berthing delays,” Delve added, reiterating earlier statements that Transnet Port Terminals (TPT) and Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) had managed the unprecedented event “well under the circumstances”.
However, there were congestion and other operational inefficiencies before the storm hit and Delve said Mozambique’s port of Maputo was increasingly becoming more attractive for project cargo customers.
“There’s no chance that Maputo will become the preferred port of choice but it could take business away and local port authorities should be aware of that.” Delve described MSC’s project cargo outlook as “fantastic”.
According to Delve, it’s a common misperception that container vessels cannot carry bulkier items for projects.
“There are always ways around it. Equipment can be carried on deck – and the MSC group is looking to grow its project cargo business in line with the growth of the sector in South Africa,” he said.
CAPTION
The MSC Innes is now back in operation.
