TPT admits to productivity shortfalls

Container handling rates at the Port of Durban have failed to reach target, according to Karl Socikwa, chief executive of Transnet Port Terminals (TPT). “While we have seen a major improvement in the gross crane per hour moves, this is not yet at the level that we want it and it is something we are working on to reach our targets.” Socikwa said much effort had already gone into improving container handling rates and in the past two months a notable change had already been recorded, with Pier 1 in Durban now averaging about 27 to 28 crane moves per hour. In 2008 the Port was averaging some 23 crane moves per hour compared to Antwerp which was managing about 94 per hour. For most of 2010 the average for Durban was 22. Socikwa said while this was one area of concern there had been other achievements during 2010 that formed part of Transnet’s growth strategy. “We have improved planning integration with rail and are now seeing a 48% reduction in the wagon dwell time at Kings Rest. Another achievement is that we have achieved an increase of 6.5% in loading rates at Saldanha Port.”