Transnet says operations at its Cape Town terminals are back in force, as backlogs caused by the recent industrial action have been cleared. The ports and rail company said as part of plans ahead of the upcoming deciduous fruit season, the Cape Town Container Terminal will be working at full capacity to “ensure vessels are turned around timeously”.
“Transnet is encouraged by the swift manner in which backlogs were cleared and is set to continue in this positive vein to ensure the deciduous fruit season is successfully executed. In preparation for the upcoming season, an additional Ship-to-Shore (STS) crane was delivered and successfully handed over to operations. This will equip the terminal with maximum crane deployment to improve ship working hours, which will boost productivity and enhance service provisioning to customers,” the company said.
According to sanews.gov.za, Transnet has also stated that the Ports of Mossel Bay and Saldhana have received Port of Entry status – allowing the two ports to extend its services rendered.
Fruit exporters turning to air freight
South Africa’s early stone fruit destined for overseas markets could be exported by air as exporters attempt to work around backlogs at Transnet’s ports following the nearly two-week-long strike, Fruit SA has said.
Fruit SA is hoping that the backlog at the ports is cleared by the end of this week or next week, Fhumulani Ratshitanga, CEO of Fruit SA, stated. Some early stone fruit growers postponed harvesting during the strike, while some already resorted to air freight, at considerable expense.
South Africa's fruit industry produces 5.1 million tons of fruit and exports 64% of what it produces. Its main export destinations are the EU, Russia, Asia and the Middle East.
Source: businessinsider.co.za