TPT admits to productivity shortfalls

Container handling rates
at the Port of Durban have
failed to reach target,
according to Karl Socikwa,
chief executive of Transnet
Port Terminals (TPT).
“While we have seen
a major improvement in
the gross crane per hour
moves, this is not yet at
the level that we want it
and it is something we are
working on to reach our
targets.”
Socikwa said much
effort had already gone
into improving container
handling rates and in the
past two months a notable
change had already been
recorded, with Pier 1 in
Durban now averaging
about 27 to 28 crane moves
per hour.
In 2008 the Port was
averaging some 23 crane
moves per hour compared
to Antwerp which was
managing about 94 per
hour. For most of 2010 the
average for Durban was 22.
Socikwa said while this
was one area of concern
there had been other
achievements during
2010 that formed part of
Transnet’s growth strategy.
“We have improved
planning integration with
rail and are now seeing
a 48% reduction in the
wagon dwell time at Kings
Rest. Another achievement
is that we have achieved an
increase of 6.5% in loading
rates at Saldanha Port.”