Industry organisations the South African Freight and Logistics Association (Safla) and the Road Freight Association (RFA) report that short- and long-term plans to solve the inefficiencies at the Durban Gateway Terminal (DGT) are being implemented.

The organisations state that, during a recent engagement between the DGT and relevant stakeholders and organisations that have operations or members processing cargo through the terminal, the DGT had told stakeholders that it was implementing an accelerated programme to keep the various pieces of machinery operating at the best levels of safety and functionality as possible, and had brought in generator sets to deal with power disruptions.

Also, the DGT had waived all terminal storage charges while the current set of challenges were experienced.

The DGT also acknowledged problems with the slot booking system, and had developed a solution to improve the process, the RFA and Safla report.

This solution will be with all shareholders in due course for comment and implementation.

In terms of long-term plans, the terminal requires significant refurbishment and upgrading or modernising to compete with the options of other ports in Southern Africa.

Much of the equipment needed has been ordered, but there are lengthy lead times in the delivery of the equipment, the associations say.

Further, representatives of DGT and terminal operator International Container Terminal Services (ICTSI) were candid and open regarding challenges experienced. DGT and ICTSI also listened to comments from all representatives present, the industry bodies say.

“There are immediate short-term options, such as reducing the pressure on the terminal while upgrades and interventions are applied. Transnet can possibly lower container movement tariffs from other ports for a period, while DGT is brought to the level of efficiency required.

“Transporters are carrying the costs of inefficiencies. Fleets are standing without bookings while fixed costs run, drivers are queuing on Bayhead Road, and every standing hour ends up in the price of goods. Slot releases must match real capacity, and truck staging must be fast-tracked now,” says RFA CEO Gavin Kelly.

Safla has welcomed the waiving of storage charges while the current set of challenges are being experienced. This will ease the burden on freight forwarders and their clients, says Safla executive officer Dave Logan.

Safla and the RFA stand ready to contribute member evidence and practitioner expertise to a joint recovery task team alongside DGT, Transnet, government and other industry bodies.