Transnet Port Terminals has assured port users that it is deploying all its resources to recover from the backlogs incurred by the strong winds that have led to delays at the port’s container terminals.
This comes after several port users raised concern that the backlogs had not been effectively dealt with as TPT had earlier claimed in a media statement issued last week.
Port users complained to Freight News that trucks were queueing between 11 and 26 hours to pick up and drop off containers, and that because there were no reefer plugs available due to the congestion, some fruit exporters had been forced to redirect their cargo to Port Elizabeth. They said at one point stacks were at 95% capacity, and it appeared that there were many equipment breakdowns because the port’s ageing cranes and straddles were not adequately maintained.
“The Cape Town Terminal is recovering from the impact of heavy winds experienced in the past week. The inclement weather resulted in the terminal not being fully operational for 4.5 days, losing up to 108 man working hours in that period,” TPT said on Friday.
“This impacted terminal efficiency, as the terminal is required to first create capacity by discharging vessels before loading.”
It added that as part of optimising its operational plans for improved efficiency, the terminal had successfully awarded long-term spares supply contracts for equipment, which had assisted in ensuring most equipment was brought back into operation.
“The terminal continues to bring back more equipment that has been out of action due to unavailability of spares. This will, in turn, improve availability and reliability of equipment. Replacement of key equipment for the terminal has started, and in this financial year already 20 new trailers manufactured by Transnet Engineering (TE) have been delivered.”
Plans to replace equipment have been shared widely with port stakeholders, as have details regarding the midlife refurbishment of the ship-to-shore cranes, according to TPT.
“The terminal has ensured that the current resources are deployed according to activities on the water side and landside, in line with the seven-gang operational model with full staff complement. While the terminal continues to put measures in place to boost its productivity, these contingency plans can only be effective if all stakeholders pull together, including utilising the truck booking system fully (night utilisation),” TPT said.
“Collaborative engagements with stakeholders and customers have been intensified as the terminal continues to face disruptive weather. The Cape Town Terminal remains fully committed to moving customer cargo as efficiently as possible.”
