Stabilised container throughput week-on-week has been confirmed by the latest box handling data contained in the Cargo Movement Update (CUM) compiled by the South African Association of the Freight Forwarders (Saaff) and Business Unity SA (Busa).
An average of 7 939 containers were handled per day, essentially the same as last week’s 7 940 containers, the CUM said.
Adverse weather conditions, equipment breakdowns, and shortages continued to constrain operations at the national ports, said Saaff and Busa.
Although the data of severely restricted road movement on the N3 following last weekend’s snow blizzard south of Harrismith is still being factored in, the CUM reported that KwaZulu-Natal faced its harshest winter weather of the year.
It was marked by freezing temperatures and heavy inland snowfall, leading to the closure of the N3 route between Durban and Johannesburg on Saturday, 21 September, trapping vehicles and prompting rescue efforts.
Motorists and truck drivers were stranded, lanes blocked and hazardous conditions persisted throughout the weekend as authorities worked to clear the road.
Furthermore, rain, accompanied by strong winds, resulted in operational delays in Cape Town, while equipment breakdowns and adverse weather prevented optimal port performance in Durban.
In the Eastern Cape, distressed vessels at berth, the MSC Antonio and CMA CGM Belem, contributed to delayed operations.
In comparison, the Port of Richards Bay reported minimal delays.
