Ports Regulator calls for user input to help pump up efficiency

The Ports Regulator of South Africa (PRSA) has called on port users and stakeholders to participate in the annual Weighted Efficiency Gains from Operations (WEGO) process through the Port Consultative Committees. WEGO is effectively an operational efficiency incentive. Speaking in Cape Town last week at a Port Consultive Committee (PCC) meeting, Mahesh Fakir, CEO of the PRSA, said port users were
encouraged to share data with the regulator that would at all times be treated as confidential in ongoing efforts to improve efficiency at South African ports. “It is not sufficient to just say I don’t agree with this or that number anymore. We need port users to share their data so that we can get as much verified information on how the ports have performed.” According to Fakir port users also have the opportunity to select performance indicators that
cover the port value chain for both water and land side for which performance in the base year is set – and changes in performance are then measured in the subsequent year. The WEGO incentive allows an up to 5% increase in Ports Authority profits for up to 10% increase in performance on a basket of KPIs, and similarly a disincentive of up to 5% reduction in – TNPA profit for a 10% drop in annual KPI performance measured across the commercial ports system. According to Selma
Schwartz-Clausen of the South African Maritime Safety Authority who chaired the meeting, port user participation was a critical element of the process and crucial for its success. “We have over the past few years looked at the PCC as a system and process in the democratising of the port space,” she said, indicating that it offered port users a real opportunity of involving themselves in the measurement of the port performance. “In years gone by, we received a tariff and just
had to accept it. Now there are several engagement platforms as it has become a consultative process. Port users have the ability to discuss the tariff and give their input.” Schwartz-Clausen said industry was part of the solution of ensuring better port performance.  “It is an opportunity for everyone in the maritime and port space to bring about change,” she said. “It is each and everyone’s responsibility to be involved and accountable and participate in this process.”