Durban Gateway Terminal (DGT) has developed a solution to improve its troubled slot-booking system and plans to share it with stakeholders for comment before implementation.
The South African Freight and Logistics Association (SAFLA) and Road Freight Association (RFA) announced the development after a recent meeting between DGT, International Container Terminal Services Inc (ICTSI) and organisations involved in moving cargo through the terminal.
Terminal storage charges were also being waived while the current operational challenges persist, SAFLA and the RFA said.
An accelerated maintenance programme has been introduced to keep terminal equipment operating safely and effectively, while generators have been brought in to mitigate power disruptions, according to the associations.
DGT and ICTSI acknowledged the operational difficulties and outlined the short- and long-term measures being taken to address them, SAFLA and the RFA said.
Significant refurbishment and modernisation would be required for the terminal to compete with other ports in southern Africa, the associations added. Equipment has been ordered, although lengthy delivery lead times are expected.
Temporary tariff relief for containers moved through alternative ports could help reduce pressure on DGT while the upgrades are completed, RFA CEO Gavin Kelly said.
“Perhaps Transnet can lower container movement tariffs from other ports for a period while DGT is brought to the level of efficiency required,” Kelly said.
“Transporters are carrying the costs of inefficiencies. Fleets are standing without bookings while fixed costs run, drivers are queuing on Bayhead Road, and every standing hour ends up in the price of goods.”
He called for slot releases to be aligned with the terminal’s actual handling capacity and for truck-staging facilities to be fast-tracked.
“Without trucks, South Africa stops,” Kelly said.
The storage-charge waiver would ease the financial burden on freight forwarders and their clients, SAFLA representative Dave Logan said.
“SAFLA is delighted at the waiving of storage charges while the current set of challenges is being experienced,” Logan said.
“This will meaningfully ease the burden on freight forwarders and their clients, and we welcome this gesture of good faith from DGT and ICTSI.”
SAFLA and the RFA said they were willing to provide member evidence and operational expertise to a joint recovery task team involving DGT, Transnet, government and other industry bodies.
