RB terminal reverses decision on shorter working hours

Things move fast in the shipping industry. No sooner had the Richards Bay Multi Purpose Terminal informed stakeholders of an amendment to weekend working hours, than a further statement was released retracting its decision. The first announcement read: “Due to the current changes in the economy and markets, a decision has been made to amend the weekend working hours. “As from Friday, January 16, no shifts will be scheduled to work on weekends and public holidays until further notice. “If a client requests a vessel to work on weekends, overtime costs will be for the client/agents/ vessel's account. “In line with the above, vessels commencing work on a Friday will be worked until 06:00 Saturday, whereafter the vessel will stop working until 06:00 Monday, or the client/ agent/vessel agrees to pay overtime cost for the Saturday/ Sunday.” The decision was reversed in an announcement sent to customers last Wednesday. When it received news of the intended shorter working hours, the SA shipping industry approached senior management at Transnet looking for an explanation. Andrew Thomas, CEO of Ocean Africa Container Lines (OACL) and chairman of the SA Association of Ship Operators and Agents (Saasoa), told FTW: “As Saasoa we have approached Transnet for clarification from senior management. “This is a move from 365-days-a-year, 24/7 port operation – and we’re rather surprised by it.” As for the shipping line/ shipper reaction, Thomas added: “Obviously, anything that increases costs or extends vessel waiting times is not favourable as far as the shipping industry is concerned.” The about-turn will clearly be welcomed by all concerned.