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Things seem to be improving at our country’s ports. Transnet Port Terminals (TPT) has reported an increase in the volumes of goods handled across its ports in the first six weeks of the 2024/2025 financial year.

Transnet announced on Friday that its container volumes had risen 10%, while bulk volumes and break-bulk volumes had increased by 5% and 17%, respectively, for the period as a result of its staff’s commitment to the group’s turnaround strategy.

Automotive imports have, however, declined by 3% as a result of importers holding high stock levels that forced them to revise their orders. This is following lower car sales dampened by slow economic growth.

TPT chief executive Jabu Mdaki said that compared to the last financial year, which ended on March 31, 2023, South Africa’s ports were showing signs of recovery.

“We are doing our best to move more volumes despite our shortfalls on equipment and ultimately, key performance indicators.”

A large part of the improvements is due to an ‘equipment acquisition drive’, with capital investment estimated at R3.9 billion in the current financial year. It is also focused on improving the availability and reliability of the existing fleet during the first phase of the recovery plan.

“A 24-hour maintenance regime is in place to secure the availability and reliability of existing equipment. Original equipment manufacturers are across all terminals providing technical support and supplying critical spares.”

Mdaki added that the company was continuing to collaborate with its customers to improve operational efficiency.

“While weather continues to disrupt operations, contingency plans are sufficient and integrated planning and collaboration engagements with customers and industry are ongoing.”

TPT’s container terminals have begun the citrus season with over 200 additional cargo coordinators and port workers, as well as additional capacity across participating terminals.

Mdaki said TPT would maintain good communication with depots and cold stores to achieve maximum flexibility regarding the opening stacks.

“It is crucial for the industry to make use of the entire 24-hour operational window at terminals to ensure a successful season.”

With a predicted fuel price reduction in June and an expected drop in interest rates and inflation, the cost of trading and shipping across South Africa and the world will become more manageable in the future. We’ll continue using our partners Berry & Donaldson, who despite the challenges the country faces, always manage to remain competitive and efficient.

With a combined 100 years of experience in the logistics industry, and one of South Africa’s most extensive privately-owned clearing and forwarding agents – with branches based in Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Durban – they’ve seen and dealt with it all.

[source:freightnews]