South African Transport Minister Barbara Creecy has requested a detailed plan from the operators of Durban Gateway Terminal at Pier 2 to address the current backlog. The terminal has been experiencing congestion, with average vessel waiting times of 8.3 days. This issue arose following the introduction of a new Navis operating system in August, which disrupted cargo flows, truck bookings, and vessel movements.
The congestion at Durban Gateway Terminal has been significant, with some vessels waiting up to 12 days. Minister Creecy aims to reduce waiting times to 24 hours, although she acknowledges that achieving this target will take time. Prior to the current operating arrangement, the terminal's best performance was around three days. Creecy made these comments during a visit to the terminal.
The introduction of the new Navis operating system in August caused significant disruptions to the terminal's operations. The system change affected cargo flows, truck bookings, and vessel movements, leading to the current backlog. To mitigate the impact on customers, Durban Gateway Terminal waived storage fees on containers in the terminal since early August.
In an effort to manage the backlog and reduce congestion, Durban Gateway Terminal outlined a phased return to standard storage arrangements from 1 October. The terminal will provide five days of free storage for general-purpose cargo arriving on vessels berthing from that date. This period will eventually be reduced to four days and then the standard three days when operationally practical.
The terminal's revised storage arrangements aim to reduce the time containers spend in the yard and restore normal cargo collection patterns. Customers are urged to organise transport within the applicable free-storage period. This approach is part of the terminal's efforts to clear the backlog and improve operational efficiency.
Minister Creecy's request for a detailed plan to address the backlog reflects the government's concern about the impact of congestion at Durban Gateway Terminal on the country's logistics and trade. The terminal is a critical component of South Africa's port infrastructure, and its efficient operation is essential for the country's economy.
The situation at Durban Gateway Terminal highlights the challenges faced by ports and terminals in managing complex operations and implementing new systems. The experience of Durban Gateway Terminal serves as a reminder of the importance of effective planning and management in maintaining efficient operations and minimizing disruptions to trade and commerce.
Key points
- Minister Creecy aims to reduce vessel waiting times to 24 hours.
- The introduction of a new Navis operating system caused significant disruptions.
- The terminal waived storage fees on containers since early August.
