Exporters Western Cape (EWC) will host a special Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) evening in November to highlight the improvements taking place in the Port of Cape Town.
EWC says the event will spread the message to international carriers to once again make regular calls at the port.
“We need to get this message out to the international carriers who still appear under the illusion that the port is not functioning and route via Port Louis, for example, resulting in congestion at that port and vessels bypassing (Cape Town),” the organisation said in an announcement to members.
The organisation said A Berth, which was taken over by AGL Terminals in April, was operating smoothly. It receives weekly updates regarding vessels using the berth.
“There are also discussions taking place between the port authorities, the city and Western Cape government to work in collaboration as the port is a vital part of our city and province,” EWC added.
“This will be a first for South Africa and a move in the right direction – fully supported by Exporters Western Cape as we recall the earlier discussion around ‘the people’s port’. With all this in mind, we will take our rightful place on the global stage and become a Tavern of The Seas again.”
Recent statistics of port movements “speak for themselves”. For the week September 29 to October 5:
• Cape Town Container Terminal handled 16 436 TEUs against a target 14 000.
• Cape Town Multi-Purpose Terminal handled 293 TEUs against a target of 155.
• FPT Terminals had a stack occupancy of 60% with seven vessels handled.
EWC said it would confirm the date of the planned event in due course.
