Port challenges demand innovation

There are the traditional methods of ensuring out-of-gauge cargo is delivered on time, with minimal risks and at the lowest cost to the client, but sometimes African challenges demand more flexible, innovative methods, said Lonnie Tiegs from Teras Cargo Transport in the United States. He said ports in East and West Africa in particular were very congested and that it was “extremely challenging” to handle large cargo as the equipment simply did not exist. “It is important to ensure you have the proper expertise on the ground, to plan for every eventuality and ensure you have the right equipment at the destination port,” he commented. Sometimes, shippers have to take this a few steps further and ensure their plans are flexible and innovative and include several options.