The Port of Cape Town is making headway in addressing its congestion challenges and delays which were exacerbated by the impact of Covid-19 on its resources. This comes after stormy weather, rough sea conditions and swells in excess of nine metres (30 feet) led to the suspension of incoming and outgoing vessel movements at the Port of Cape Town on Monday, 13 July. Five vessels were delayed from entering the port.
Marine operations are now operating with 87% of human resources, although all marine pilots are back on duty. Available marine craft include three tugs, two pilot boats and one workboat. Berthing services has 97% of staff back with two gangs in operation, and there are no significant vessel delays other than a vessel delayed late last week due to fog. Port Control is operating its quad-shift operation at 100% capacity.
Port security manager Arshaad Fester said the port authority was monitoring the recent trucker protests. Roadside movements remained steady and not significantly affected by the weather.
David Davids, representing Oscar Borchards of Transnet Port Terminals, said the Cape Town Container Terminal had improved volumes handled by 25-26% compared to the previous week, handling 12900 TEUs. As of 14 July, there were eight container vessels awaiting berthing, with an average waiting time of nine days due to the combined impact of Covid-19 restrictions and the current adverse weather. The terminal has various measures under way to boost human resources capacity, strengthen the existing six gangs and introduce a seventh gang. It is currently operating with six gangs, working 24/7 at two berths with seven STS cranes operational, and is planning to clear the backlog by the second week of August. One crane of the terminal’s seven is out of operation and two straddle carriers are undergoing endurance testing.
The container terminal is experiencing lower numbers of Covid-19 infections and contacts in self-isolation. No employees with chronic conditions will be back in operation for their own safety.
Sipho Khanyile of Transnet Port Terminals said the Multi-Purpose Terminal (MPT) was 82% operational, working two berths, berths F and G, with four gangs. One vessel at outer anchorage is awaiting berthing at the MPT with a waiting time of two days due to the current weather. Terminal operations resumed on Tuesday morning after a 24-hour disruption due to the weather. One mobile harbour crane is in operation, one under repair due to a technical breakdown, and three straddle carriers are in operation. Khanyile noted that stack occupancy was close to reaching its limits and the MPT would seek assistance from the CTCT if the situation became serious.
