Covid-19 has tested companies’ operational capacities from a global and regional perspective, says Nic von Flemming, key accounts manager at CFR Freight.“Delivering under these unprecedented times has not been easy, but it has also highlighted the necessity of our regional teams, the capacity they create and the value they generate.”
This, he says, has allowed for continuity of service with limited interruption to business. “Like every other user of the port and the surrounding infrastructure, the interruption of Cov id-19 to business has caused headaches,” says Von Flemming, who believes that the revival of Durban depends highly on the ability of local industry to be cost-competitive players in the global market.“Infrastructural challenges remain at the head of the challenges experienced by Durban. Congestion, legislation and variable market conditions are all issues that are exacerbated by an inefficient Durban port complex. Honouring the needs of our partners regarding capacity, timing and commitments begins and ends with an optimally functioning port.”
According to Von Flemming, long-term carrier partnerships have been instrumental in CFR Freight maintaining its service levels. “Durban remains ideally placed geographically. Luckily, so far, there has been limited competition from other deep-water port complexes for larger-scale functionalities such as reefer, general product containers and ro-ro,” he says. “However, the improvement of regional logistical infrastructure within the SADC region can no longer be ignored. Durban and South Africa as a whole cannot assume this advantage will last forever, and urgent attention must be given to improving por t facilities.”He remains positive about the outlook for KwaZulu-Natal as a region thanks to the critical role of its two ports, Durban and Richards Bay.
