The Durban Gateway Terminal (DGT) has provided an update on the operational challenges currently affecting the port facility following the recent implementation of a new terminal operating system.

In a letter to customers, DGT COO Grant Bahlmann reported that the NAVIS implementation had been completed successfully and the system remained stable, with a dedicated team addressing residual items.

However, he also confirmed the backlog created following the implementation of the system had not yet been fully cleared, and a return to “normal fluidity” would take some time, owing to continued equipment availability constraints.

“Our immediate priority is to accelerate the evacuation of import cargo, reduce yard congestion and progressively restore terminal fluidity,” Bahlmann said.

He also confirmed that temporary measures to support the recovery would remain in place until 10:00 on August 27, including:

• no re-routing of containers to alternative stacks;
• the temporary suspension of dual load/discharge landside transactions; and
• a temporary pause on reefer acceptance while existing reefer stock was loaded onto vessels.

All terminal storage charges for containers currently within the terminal had been waived during the period and would remain waived until operational stability was restored to an acceptable level, the letter stated.

In addition, an appeal had been made to shipping lines to consider additional free time and demurrage relief, given the extended time containers had remained at the terminal owing to circumstances beyond the control of customers.

“We recognise the impact these restrictions have on our customers. In parallel, we are actively adding operational capacity. Internal efficiencies are being pursued to support operations, while we are also working with Transnet Freight Rail for additional train evacuations to relieve yard pressure. These measures sit alongside the longer-term equipment and infrastructure programmes already under way to strengthen terminal performance and resilience.”

Regarding transporters, he said all available appointment slots were being released to the maximum extent operationally possible, while carefully managing terminal and surrounding road congestion.

“Truck slots have reverted to a 24-hour release window, with allocations reviewed every four hours to maximise throughput. Additional equipment is also being prioritised for import evacuation wherever possible.”

Bahlmann said DGT teams were engaging directly with customers regarding individual cargo situations and stressed that the terminal was fully focused on the recovery.

The terminal’s private partner ICTSI also acknowledged the recent operational challenges, which it said had significantly impacted port users.

“All stakeholders are being engaged to improve the situation and resolve the bottlenecks and we have seen an improvement over the past 48 hours.”

ICTSI also confirmed that implementation of the NAVIS system had caused a slowdown in performance, but said the new system under DGT’s control “puts the terminal on the planned path for future operational optimisation”.