It’s been a tough year for South Africa’s ports – and with the peak season yet to come, it’s far from over. Equipment issues, industrial action and weather-related delays have all taken their toll in Durban and Cape Town.
And while the ports are far from fluid, an opendoor approach by Transnet officials appears to have changed the tone of the discussion. Last October it was a freak storm in Durban that brought shipping to a halt. In Cape Town dilapidated equipment followed by strike action in July highlighted the fragility of the port system.
And with the windy season upon us, further delays are a given According to Kevin Martin of Freightliner Transport, the ports remain under pressure to deliver, but, he said, it was also clear that TPT was committed to addressing any problems.
“I can’t say that the Port of Durban is any more or less congested than what it usually is,” he told FTW. “The situation has definitely improved compared to three years ago when there was a serious equipment problem.” TPT CE Nosipho Sithole previously told FTW that addressing service delivery was a top priority for the ports operator. This included refurbishing and upgrading old equipment, while the approach to TPT’s maintenance programme had also been changed.
This, she said, would see the ports addressing issues long before they reached critical stage. Instead of waiting until equipment broke, said Sithole, TPT was working towards ensuring equipment was maintained so that there were no breakdowns. Martin said one of the major improvements in recent times had been the attitude of Transnet officials.
“They are listening to industry and working with us to solve the problems that exist in the port.” But, he said, it remained anyone’s guess what would happen with a berth out of commission at Pier 2 in Durban due to the current expansion and upgrade taking place at the container terminal.
“Personally, I don’t think Pier 1 is ready to take the overflow, but we will have to wait and see,” said Martin. “Overall, however, I am optimistic about the ports because there is progress.” Mike Walwyn, chairman of the Cape’s Port Liaison Forum (PLF), said any reduction in capacity at the port of Durban was always concerning as the port was on the edge anyway. “They have more landside issues with cranes and equipment though and so it is expected that the impact of the berth removal at Pier 2 won’t be that significant.”
Commenting on congestion at the Cape Town container terminal which was so serious that Sithole stepped in herself earlier this year to take charge and address the situation, Walwyn said the jury was still out.
“There have been attempts to deal with the congestion and certainly the situation has improved, but we have not specifically dealt with some of the major challenges. For now it seems to be running well.”
The major challenge in Cape Town remains wind and surging which brings the port to a complete standstill for hours at a time during the windy months of summer. With the windy season not yet in full swing the port is already struggling. In a recent case in point howling winds halted operations from 3am in the morning until 10pm that night. Vernon Rawstone of Container Domestic Services (CDS) said it was worrying, especially as it was a recurring problem.
“Addressing the wind in Cape Town has to be a priority. The port struggles during this time and it is our busiest season.” At the time of going to press TPT had not yet responded to a request for comment.
Transnet officials are listening to industry and working with us to solve the problems that exist in the port. – Kevin Martin The Port of Cape Town.