There are virtually hourly changes in plans and updates relative to the flood damage, recovery plans and shipping line alterations to schedules, and so we apologise for the constant updates and in this case lengthy feedback. Every importer and exporter obviously need to understand the impact on their supply chain and possible solutions so it is imperative that we keep all updated but do caution that we are still in many cases not able to provide definitive feedback and clarity that will provide clear plans for the days ahead, but we strive to achieve this as soon as possible. Our sense is that today will bring greater clarity on how long Durban could be affected and this will provide us with the information necessary to make more intelligent, long-term decisions.
Below some extracts of informative feedback from our SAAFF working group that we share for understanding:
Port Recovery.
Both water and berths received considerable debris deposited as a result of the storm. Currently teams are working in the harbour and along berths to remove debris, enabling tugs and pilot boats to move safely. Due to the possibility of heavy debris deposited underwater alongside berths and in the channels, sounding will be required and will only be undertaken tomorrow once floating debris is removed. Effectively this restricts large vessels moving until sounding is completed and any sunken debris removed. The port pollution team is operating in the harbour.
Most terminals are reporting staff shortages as personnel struggle to reach work particularly from the south side where the M4 is very compromised. Terminals are able to load out ships that are alongside and have cargo available. At 11.50 this morning the port was declared open for selected vessels.
Rail
The Container corridor (NATCOR) is not operating due to washaways at Shallcross and at the Shongweni Tunnel exit and at other sites. Unlikely rail will recommence for at least a week. Some local lines around the port have been inundated and will need to be cleared.
DCT Piers 2 & 1.
Staff shortages have impacted on operations however Pier 2 has cleared a large proportion of the 460 trucks which were trapped in staging and terminal as has Pier 1. The trapped trucks utilised the Bluff Road route, it is not yet open for incoming trucks. Currently no slots are available for truck access. Most exports stacks had closed prior to the storm and vessels are working. There should be very limited short shipments
Maydon Wharf
Flooding did occur in the MW precinct but operations are ongoing at TPT terminals.
Road Access
It appears that the outgoing carriageway on Bayhead Road is not as badly damaged as the incoming side. The possibility exists for this carriageway to be repaired within weeks. In the meantime, other possible routes such as off Edwin Swales / Solomon Mahlangu are being investigated. The Bluff Road route is narrow, steep and through a residential area. Though it will be essential to use this route temporarily there will have to be tight policing and despatch control. KZN RTI will allow the movement of trucks over the normal Easter weekend embargo. Possibilities exist to use TFR service roads to provide access to IVS and Terminals from Edwin Swales. Engineers will report tomorrow also on the short term development of the outgoing carriageway on Bayhead. The Bluff Road option is problematic for reasons previously indicated some heavy traffic may have to use the route. Bayhead road is closed to all traffic. With +- 3500 TEU per day accessing DCT it’s essential that an emergency plan be developed immediately.
There are further emergency meetings taking place at 8am today and we will provide their feedback as soon as this is made available to us.
As per our newsflash yesterday we confirm that we are assessing all cargo en route and that being booked currently for departure to see whether changes in POD are possible and what the cost and timing impacts would be. We have already seen three vessels bypass Durban yesterday with shipping lines informing us cargo will be discharged at Coega and rerouted back to Durban on alterative vessels. In all these cases we are assessing whether we can take release in Coega and what the extra cost implications would be for importers but also trying to assess what the shipping lines plans would be for return ETAs. Obviously at this point whatever a shipping line publishes with regard to ETAs back into Durban is subject to significant variation as this is controlled and dictated by how soon the harbour and landside operations can be returned to a workable level. You would have received notification from our team if your cargo is affected by these bypassing decisions and you can be assured our team are working on definitive alternatives and costs to share with you so that we can collectively assess and make decisions. Export cargo in the process of being booked or planned for departure in the coming weeks is also being assessed relative to options and costs to ship ex Coega, PE or Cape Town.
Our team are working passionately on every single shipment and updating customers on each movement. However, if there are specific concerns not yet addressed, please do not hesitate to contact us. I (Gary Knight) will not be available today on mail for a large portion of the day so to ensure swift responses please route enquiries to Graeme Impson (graeme.impson@sctsolutions.co.za).