The Port of Cape Town is back on track thanks to a much-needed reprieve from heavy winds.It was hit hard in December and January this year when it came to a complete standstill on the land and water side.According to a spokesman for the Port Liaison Forum (PLF), an initiative of the Cape Chamber of Commerce and Industry, port users had little option but to use other ports to move cargo.“In December the port was closed for a total of nine and a half days due to wind,” he said. “There is not much that can be done in these situations. The weather is of increasing concern.”In January it was closed for four consecutive days when gale force winds gusted at speeds of up to 60 knots. “Usually during heavy wind the port can operate landside in some areas, but in January it had to shut down all operations for nearly a week. This had a massive impact and caused huge delays, not only to cargo owners but also shipping lines.”At least six vessels by passed C a p e To w n during this time which was particularly damaging for importers who could not access their containers. “The only option is to then tranship via another port,” said the spokesman.Cape Town is also impacted by ongoing congestion in Durban. Many liners prefer to bypass the city rather than Durban where they are already being slowed down.“This has a real impact on cost for both importers and exporters in Cape Town,” said the spokesman. According to Transnet Port Terminals the wind has died down in the past two weeks and the port is running smoothly again.
INSERT: Cape Town is also impacted by ongoing congestion in Durban. - Spokesman
