Durban is facing stiffer competition for copper exports as other ports in the region target the commodity.In November Dar es Salaam handled its first breakbulk copper exports from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in 15 years.Some 5 100 tons of copper was loaded on board the 28 749-dwt Lady Damla bulk carrier, which sailed from Richards Bay. Port director Elihuruma Lema is quoted as saying the copper was bound for China and the Middle East.“This is the first time in 15 years. We encourage businesses and investors to use the port because we ensure safe passage for their products,” he is quoted as saying.All the Durban competitors are stressing security as a competitive advantage over the South African route.In August this year Konkola Copper Mines in Zambia announced it would be exporting 105 000 tons of copper through Wa lv i s Bay.Other mines have followed, with Walvis Bay also offering a breakbulk option.In October Wa lv i s Bay loaded 8 500 tons of copper for the Port of Panama in the United States.Namport executive for commercial services, Elias Mwenyo, called it a "significant milestone", as it was the second large breakbulk shipment to be handled this year.The copper cathodes from Mopani Copper Mine in Zambia were transported to Walvis Bay by road where they were loaded onto the Unisea vessel."Due to the ongoing global shortage of containers, it has become a phenomenon for shippers to opt for their consignments to be carried by bulk vessels to ensure continuity of operations and less dependency on containers," said Mwenyo.Operators in both Walvis Bay and Dar es Salaam have invested in significant upgrades to their port facilities.In the Port of Dar es Salaam, investment in handling equipment and security has increased capacity to up to 15 000 tons of copper a month, according to copper operation leader Frank Milongo.This is more than double the previous capacity of 6 000 tons a month.Beira is also reporting a surge in copper exports following the introduction of a breakbulk service to overcome the global container shortage.In October, 15 000 tons of copper cathodes were loaded over a period of five days.According to the port operator Cornelder, exports from the DRC increased by 116%, and those from Zambia by 88% in 2020.The loss of southbound volumes will make South African hauliers less competitive, as they were able to undercut the rates of other operators in the region because the copper provided a return load for vehicles taking other goods up to the Copperbelt.At the same time, it makes the other corridors more competitive because truckers are able to balance loads more easily.
