Time running out for port tariff comments

Detailed submissions opposing the Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) annual tariff increase are being submitted to the Ports Regulator of South Africa. With industry’s time for comment fast running out organisations across the country are in the process of submitting responses to the proposed tariff increase of 9.47% for 2015/16. The Cape Chamber of Commerce and Industry confirmed to FTW that it had submitted its commentary in which it gave clear reasons why the increase was excessively high and should not be granted, while the fruit industry has come together to submit its opposition. Organisations such as the South African Association of Freight Forwarders (Saaff) will also oppose the tariff increase which industry has termed excessively high. Whilst most of the documentation is not yet for public record, FTW spoke to several contributors who gave input to the various organisations’ documents. One shipper said the document drafted by the fruit sector was very wellresearched and it had found several anomalies in the TNPA tariff application. “There are serious concerns around the volumes and other figures the organisation has presented to the regulator. Many believe it is impossible for TNPA to achieve the growth they forecast,” he said. The growth figures are a concern across the board and are being queried by several organisations, including the Cape Port Liaison Forum. It said in light of the minister of finance revising growth expectations in his recent budget speech to 1.4%, it was questionable how TNPA could forecast its growth at around 9% in the coming year. “The jury is still out on what the regulator is going to do with the tariff application,” said PLF chairman Mike Walwyn. “Our biggest concern is if there is political will within the regulator to take our submissions to heart. It is a new regulator and a new board. It really is a wait and see situation at present.”