FOLLOWING ONE of the longest series of disruptions, container terminal handling at SA ports is now almost back to normal, according to Temba Gwala, Durban container terminal manager. His confident statement is backed up by several shipping lines and agents who report improvements in container handling at all South African ports.
"We are pleased to advise that the situation in South African ports has improved in recent days. We believe that this is in no small measure due to the pressure put on Portnet by ourselves and yourselves," said Dave Giraudeau, managing director of Ellerman & Bucknall in a letter addressed to clients which seems to be typical of the reaction of most port users. The forum of major port users is now holding regular meetings with senior Portnet management and this is believed to have played no small part in the rapid improvement at the terminals.
By last Friday (19 June) ships in Durban were being worked normally. According to Gwala five vessels were due for berthing on that day, of which two would berth on arrival. "Any backlog should be cleared this coming week," he forecast. Several agents have however warned clients not to be too optimistic about the future. "There are still some outstanding issues which could cause a reoccurrence of delays and congestion in the ports and we therefore believe that continued dialogue between all parties is of critical importance," warned Freightmariine Shipping.
BY TERRY HUTSON
