Transnet has revealed why a vessel that arrived at the Port of Durban on October 29, the Dolphin II, will only berth on November 22.
According to the regional corporate affairs manager for Durban Terminals, Simphiwe Mpanza: “Berthing plans are shared 21 days in advance, and then updated every 24 hours.”
He added that is should be kept in mind that inclement weather in Durban in the past week has seen the terminal lose six days.”
“The vessel is indeed planned to berth on November 22 at the Durban Container Terminal Pier 2. If we eliminate the six days lost to bad weather, its berthing date has still not arrived,” Mpanza said.
He said he emphasised that although it’s possible that the terminal will reduce the period before the Dolphin II berths, it cannot be guaranteed”.
“The terminal always aims to do better,” Mpanza said.
A freight industry stakeholder told the South African Association of Freight Forwarders: “This is a massive delay. Even by Transnet standards.”
