13th September 2022
South African Ports & Container Freight Stations
DURBAN
Transnet has issued numerous reminders “Notification E-Mail on Stacking of Containers” for Durban Pier 1 & Pier 2. This communication is for transporters to receive a notification when a container has been discharged and is relative to the change in import storage rule to be implemented at Pier 2 on 1st October 2022 and Pier 1 on 1st November 2022.
On 5th September, notification received from Transnet advising that Pier 2 experienced systems challenges at the CAMCO outgates. This impacted traffic exiting the terminal.
High winds throughout the week impacted port operations.
Vessel berthing delays:
- Pier 1 – 0 days
- Pier 2 – 0 days
- Point – 2 days
CFS experiencing high container volumes; all operations proceeding as normal.
All IDMs are proceeding as scheduled.
CAPE TOWN
High traffic volumes and high demand on transport booking system.
Strong winds and high swells impacted port operations.
Vessel berthing delays:
- CTCT – 4 days
- MPT – 0-4 days
CFS is seeing high cargo volumes, however container and cargo handling continue as normal.
All IDMs are moving as normal and as published.
LOCAL LOGISTICS & FREIGHT NEWS:
Transnet has started implementing a Fuel Neutrality Surcharge effect 10 September to cover diesel increases.
GLOBAL LOGISTICS & FREIGHT NEWS:
Road Weight Limitation in Taiwan has become a big focus point again (attached notification from PIL).
USA/CANADA:
For intermodal freight, limited capacity in certain areas of the country due to high import volumes and driver shortages. Trucking capacity is reduced in most areas in the USA, resulting in additional delays for pick-up and delivery of cargo. Average waiting time in USA port for trucking to Canada is currently on 14 days.
UK, NWC & MED:
- Vessel schedule delays and extended voyage times impacting all European & Med services.
- Amended port rotations and port omissions may result in amended cargo loadings.
- Vessel changes and “blanked sailings” on the trade.
- High cargo demand and limited vessel capacity.
- FCL containers – due to limited capacity and high demand, bookings with carriers can only be made once European shipper has confirmed cargo readiness date and all cargo details have been confirmed. No containers can be booked without firm cargo details and cargo readiness date; as any cancelled or amended bookings are seeing penalties being applied by carriers.
- Operational challenges and labour shortages continue to impact European services.
- Trucking capacity is in high demand and advance notice is required for cargo pick ups and deliveries.
ROTTERDAM
- Both terminals experience a shift from barge to truck capacity for import and export delivery / pick-up due to Rhine River low water levels.
- SAF vessel schedule is erratic and there have been vessel changes and port omissions, impacting schedule integrity.
UK – LONDON GATEWAY
- Terminal is busy, but all vessels have a berthing windows and pilot availability is good.
- SAF vessel schedule is erratic and there have been vessel changes and port omissions, impacting schedule integrity. This may see LGP containers being moved by carrier to LEH for loading onto mainline SAF vessel.
Interesting articles:
- Empty Containers Will Overwhelm Ports in 2023 Warns Sea-Intelligence
- Interest rates to soar before slowing as inflation peaks
- Collision at sea: vessel carrying SA fruit okay
- Empty containers likely to flood American depots
- SA halts exports of some Valencia oranges, as 80% of citrus farmers set to make a loss this season
- Zimbabwe: Beitbridge takes lead in citrus production
- Reefer challenges take a bite out of booming global perishables trade
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GoReefers Logisitcs South Africa, Europe and United Kingdom will join The Fruit Attraction, Madrid Spain, 4-6 October 2022. Please contact us for a meet and greet. We will gladly welcome you to the wonderful world of how we do logistics!