Stakeholders prepare responses

Alan Peat THE VITAL draft ports policy - which will define the future of port operation in SA - is currently being examined with eagle eyes by all the appropriate industry bodies involved in marine freight and transport. The Association of Shipping Lines (ASL), the Association of Ships, Agents and Brokers of Southern Africa (Asabosa), the Container Liner Operators Forum and the National Port Users Forum are working together on an official submission. "It's quite a complicated issue," said Dave Rennie, c.e. of Unicorn, and one of the study group examining the draft for the representative bodies, "and requires some detailed thought before making a response." The SA Shippers Council also has the policy on its agenda. The initial reaction, according to executive director, Nolene Lossau, was that there were "one or two self-evident contradictions" in the draft, which would need to be sorted out. "But, in general terms," she added, "it lays down a solid foundation, on which the operative detail can be added later." The SA Chamber of Business (Sacob) transport committee is also investigating the policy. All the bodies expect to be able to make submissions before the October 31 deadline for private sector comments. To page 16 From page 1 The key recommenda-tions in the draft ports policy are: l An independent port regulator will be set up by the Minister of Transport; l Government will reduce its direct involvement in port operations; l A more competitive environment is to be fostered; l The National Ports Authority (NPA) is to set strategic direction; l Ports will set up consultative forums; l Guidelines will be established for port development; l Commercial ports are to be economically viable and environmentally sustainable.