To dig out or not to dig out …

To build or not to build seems to be the big question in Durban. As Transnet forges ahead with plans to dig out a R100- billion port at the site of the old Durban International Airport, industry continues to question how necessary this really is. Kevin Martin, chairman of the Durban Harbour Carriers’ Association (DHCA), believes a more viable solution is the development of the PX Block some 2km from the current port. “We need to take a very close look at terminal operations at present to see where we are heading,” he told FTW. “The average shipment size has increased from around 3000 TEUs in and out to about 4400. In order to accommodate the increased volumes we have been stacking higher in the terminal, which has had the drawback of slowing down the dispatch of imports as more stack moves are required.” Martins said in addition, due to the manner in which containers are discharged at one tower, they often have a situation that is dependent on stack timing. “What this means in layman’s terms is that 50% of the road volumes for the terminal run to one tower while others are being under-utilised in a 24-hour period.” If this were to be projected into the future where bigger vessels are docking with shipment sizes of around 8000 TEUs (4000 in and 4000 out), it practically means that three vessels will equal 24 000 TEUs. “So three vessels berth and you are at optimum. What do you then say? Sorry I’m constipated?” Martins maintains that the problem that has to be solved is reducing road congestion while increasing container throughput in the most cost-effective manner to the logistics chain. “Due to higher stacking, trucks are doing 50% less loads per truck, per cycle than 10 years ago. This means we now have double the f leets on the road causing added congestion at double the price,” he told FTW. Transnet’s suggestions to the challenge – that of building a new port about 20 km from the existing port as well as the development of a dry port at Cato Ridge some 60km inland – is questionable, he says. Martins and other industry role-players maintain that a big picture approach is needed when it comes to Durban. “The fact is only exports need to remain close to the water. If we move all imports and transhipments out immediately, leaving only the exports, we are effectively doubling capacity without building new berths.” Martins’ suggestion of developing the 507 ha of the PX Block has its own fair share of challenges. “But it’s cheaper than building a whole new port,” he said. “If successfully implemented it will reduce road traffic by splitting imports and exports as collection will be at different areas and on different routes, while there will be increased capacity and terminal efficiency in a far more cost-effective way.” According to Carl Webb, an abnormal cargo specialist and representative of the South African Association of Freight Forwarders (Saaff), the time will come when extra capacity will be needed. “But it is not just about having more capacity. We have to improve operational efficiency as well. We have seen major investments into the Durban port in the past few years and it has not improved efficiency. That is just as important an element.” At the same time, he said, there has to be more discussion between Transnet and industry around the various options available to improve capacity and efficiency at the port. Saaff ’s Mike Walwyn agrees saying the investment into a new port is not necessarily negative, but there must be certainty that it is the most sustainable solution for the country in the long run. “No one is denying that additional capacity is needed or that the current port is under immense pressure, but there are still question marks over whether the planned dig-out port is the right solution in the current environment.” INSERT & CAPTION 1 Investment into a new port is not necessarily negative, but there must be certainty that it is the most sustainable solution for the country in the long run. – Mike Walwyn INSERT & CAPTION 2 It is not just about having more capacity. We have to improve operational efficiency as well. – Carl Webb CAPTION The site of the proposed new dig out port.