Dear Valued Client
We understand the current frustrations around SA’s poor port productively and recent adverse weather conditions, severely affecting the ability to move cargo timeously. A lack of maintenance by Transnet on critical equipment has resulted in numerous breakdowns and uplifting cargo from the ports has been a major challenge. To add to these operational delays, sailing schedules into South Africa have also been impacted over the past few weeks causing further berthing delays.
Our Partners in China have confirmed earlier this week that some vessels are omitting China and Taiwan due to the berthing conditions and low productivity in Durban and Cape Town causing container bookings to roll to next sailing. It is evident that our port delays even have a global effect and shipping lines are having to adjust schedules last minute. The delays are very real and concerning for all importers and exporters.
Please see below today’s review on the delays:
Durban Port Delays:
We can confirm that Durban waterside and landside operations were on standby again last night 12th October from 18h10 for wind, closing all appointment slots for our truckers. Wind speed was recorded at gusts of above 89kmph. This has a ripple effect for all client deliveries today and ongoing.
Shipping line communication received earlier today:
SCT has compiled the below data on a handful of vessels to illustrate how long vessels have recently been at anchorage outside the Durban Port:
Second table below illustrates major movements on the ‘worst case’ chosen vessel to show original ETA vs the expected ETA:
We wish to assure you that our team are giving each shipment their best attention while navigating through all the changes as well as delays. Should you have any further queries, please feel free to contact one of your local SCT representatives.