'SA ports need to shape up'

South African ports can no
longer rest on their laurels
or they may soon lose out on
cargo volumes to ports on the
continent.
“While there has been some
progress in port developments
in the country, advancement
on the gem of the African
continent – the Port of Durban
– has been held back. This has
provided the opportunity for
ports in West and East Africa
to play catch-up,” said Peter
Besnard, CEO of the South
African Association of Ship
Operators and Agents.
He told FTW that while
red tape and procrastination
over issues had taken their
toll on progress at SA ports,
other African ports have been
hard at work improving their
facilities as well as developing
more corridors to attract more
cargo.
“South African ports, on
the other hand, present huge
challenges to vessel agents as
they battle delays, congestion
and ongoing limitations,” said
Besnard.
To ensure SA stays
competitive and doesn’t lose
out to regional competitors,
Besnard said Saasoa would
intensify its efforts to work
in collaboration with the
port authorities to fast-track
progress. “Our priorities for
the year also include achieving
increased productivity to
make our ports 100% more
functional and globally
recognised,” he said.