The Western Cape Government (WCG) is concerned over the Port of Cape Town’s failure to meet its recovery targets.
The provincial government says it has been working extensively with Transnet Port Terminals to ensure that a ‘credible and reliable’ recovery plan is in place to stabilise operations over the short term.
Also read: Transnet considers private liquid bulk operator for Port of Cape Town
However, Transnet’s Cape Town Container Terminal (CTCT) reportedly fails to meet its recovery targets and Ship Working Hours. CTCT’s headline productivity, which measures the average container movement on a vessel per hour, currently stands at 25 hours compared to the 30-hour target.
‘The WCG has been repeatedly raising our concerns with national government and stakeholders across the logistics sector about the inefficiencies in the operations at the Port of Cape Town,’ says Premier Alan Winde.
‘I am deeply frustrated that despite commitments from the Minister of Public Enterprises, Transnet and leadership at the port since early last year, once again another critical harvest season is in jeopardy.’
‘We cannot allow this to happen again to our agriculture sector, a key economic driver and employer not just for our province but the rest of the country too,’ he adds.
‘While we welcome the longer-term discussions about bringing in private sector role players, right now Transnet should be bringing in the top team to support port operations.’
Explore Cape Town and its surroundings with these incredible deals on cars for under R100 000. Find car listings here.
As per a governmental statement, South African citrus exports are set to increase rapidly towards the end of May this year, as an increase of 16.6 million 15kg cartons of fruits are to be moved through various ports – including the Port of Cape Town.
Mireille Wenger, the provincial minister of finance and economic opportunities, says the targets set in the Transnet and container terminal recovery plan for the port are not being achieved.
‘I am especially concerned that, with the citrus season fast approaching, we are heading towards another export crisis. Citrus yields are up, but all indicators show that performance at the port will not be able to handle the increased volumes this year.’
Set against the backdrop of the operational performance recovery plan, these are the ship working hours actual performance compared to the CTCT’s targets for the first four months of 2024:
- January 2024: 22.5 actual ship working hours against a target of 26 hours
- February 2024: 23.4 actual ship working hours against a target of 27 hours
- March 2024: 24.5 actual ship working hours against a target of 28
- April 2024: 25 actual ship working hours against a target of 30
Average performance indicators at the CTCT for April 2024 show:
- Average total vessel turnaround time for April 2024 was 8.9 days against a target of four days;
- Average time at berth during April 2024 was 4.3 days against a target of three
- Average waiting time to berth during April 2024 was 4.6 days against a target of one day
‘Fundamentally, these indicators show that the current terminal performance will not be sufficient to accommodate cargo volumes during the upcoming peak citrus season,’ Wenger adds.
‘It is therefore imperative that there be an urgent review of the targets in the improvement plan so that they are functional, credible, reliable, and achievable – and so that our exporters can trust in the commitments made to enable making alternative arrangements well in advance, if needed, to mitigate the negative impacts this crisis would have on their businesses.’
She says the WCG’s technical team is available to assist in identifying areas of underperformance and developing a way forward. ‘Put simply, when our ports work, the whole of South Africa’s economy works, and South Africa cannot wait any longer.
‘It is high time that the private sector is brought in to boost the efficiency of operations at the Port of Cape Town so we can work together to achieve the kind of breakout economic growth we need to create thousands of new jobs in the province and in South Africa.’
Cape {town} Etc discount: Looking for things to do in the city, at half the price? Get exclusive offers here.
Also read:
Transnet to be called to committee amid Port of Cape Town crisis
Picture: Delano Ramdas / Unsplash