'Port's intransigence hampers regional trade'

Global logistics and multi-modal transport group, Ziegler, has seen “extremely successful” growth in its projects division over the past few years and is optimistic about growth in this sector going forward. “Although we are fortunate to be part of a larger global organisation, local management is able to make snap decisions without awaiting approval from parties who may not understand current local operating constraints or opportunities. So we can be as innovative as we need to be depending on a client’s needs or circumstances – which bodes well for project work,” said Paul Lawrence, chief operations officer for Ziegler South Africa. Projects and Durban-based manager for Ziegler, Cindy Luyt, said that regardless of delays Durban still remained the port of choice for cargo destined for Johannesburg and beyond South Africa’s borders – both from a cost and time perspective. “It remains one of Africa’s busiest ports and is extremely important as the gateway in and out of South Africa, providing several trade opportunities that Ziegler hopes to take advantage of,” she said. Luyt however concedes that challenges remain. “Port constraints, as well as the absence of a “real willingness” on the part the port authorities to be flexible and innovative, do hamper trade facilitation to the region. “Our port authorities need to keep the customer foremost in their minds and ensure good service delivery at competitive pricing or South Africa will lose business to its neighbours,” she said. Lawrence added that traffic congestion and subsequent backlog of trucks entering and exiting the port of Durban, exacerbated by current port upgrades, as well as the berthing problems at the port, continued to be a source of annoyance. “When, and if, the new dig-out port happens, this will bring its share of challenges and opportunities as well,” said Lawrence. INSERT & CAPTION Our port authorities need to keep the customer foremost in their minds and ensure good service delivery. – Cindy Luyt CAPTION Traffic congestion and a backlog of trucks to and from the Durban port continue to challenge the logistics industry.