The Port of Durban’s container terminal (DCT) continues to be underserved by the amount of straddle carriers in service compared to the number of carriers required to boost box handling.
According to the latest throughput data collated by the South African Association of Freight Forwarders (Saaff) and Business Unity SA (Busa), 50 straddles were in service at DCT Pier 2 on July 11.
It translates into decreased capacity compared to just over a week ago when Absa's Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) red-flagged equipment shortfalls as a primary reason for slowed cargo movement at the port.
It was found then that out of 67 straddle carriers that should be available, only 55 were in operation.
The PMI also pointed out that out of 16 ship-to-shore (STS) cranes, only seven were working.
According to Saaff and Busa’s Cargo Movement Update data, there has been an improvement on the STS-side of operational capacity.
“Two cranes are operational at South Quay, three cranes are operational at East Quay, and five cranes are operational at North Quay,” it said.
As for “weather and other delays”, the update found that container vessels were waiting seven days or more (189 hours) at anchorage.
