Shortage of suitable containers challenges bulk wine logistics sector

A growing trend towards bulk wine shipping has pushed up demand for quality grade containers suitable for the export of bulk wine. Availability of these quality grade containers remains one of the biggest challenges for the industry, says Marliese Martine, managing director of specialist forwarder to the wine industry, JF Hillebrand SA. While global demand for bottled brand South African exports will continue, exporters cannot ignore the evolution from bottled exports to bulk product exports, she told FTW. Based on feedback from the various role-players, Martin said it was evident the global demand for 40ft containers was increasing while demand for 20ft containers was on the decrease. “The lifespan of a 20ft container has been increased to as much as 20 years, while some shipping lines are no longer investing in the production of new 20ft containers,” said Martin. Bulk wine shipping requires quality-grade 20 ft containers “The volume of 40ft containers imported into South Africa is much larger than the volume of 20ft containers and shipping lines are forced to “reposition” empty 20ft containers in order to meet the demand. Many 20ft containers are imported or re-positioned from Africa and the quality of the containers arriving in South Africa is not always up to standard.” She said in some instances scrap metal was also shipped in 20ft containers, resulting in further deterioration in the quality of the containers. At the same time turnaround time for repair work sometimes takes as long as two weeks, adding further delays. Said Martin: “For bulk wine exports we require 20ft 30ton plated containers of good quality – and the depots are under pressure to ensure that containers are released according to the JF Hillebrand standards required.” The company manufactures the VinBulk Flexitank that transforms a standard 20ft ISO container into a non-hazardous bulk liquid transportation system. Designed specifically to ensure wine arrives safely and in pristine condition, VinBulk incorporates the very latest barrier technology materials to protect product from deterioration during transit. “A strategic long-term solution is what is needed,” said Martin, who remains in earnest discussions with the vessel liners and depots to ensure that it happens. CAPTION Marliese Martine … strategic long-term solution needed.