Industry Update

10th June 2022

Citrus volumes are currently down due to decrease on Grapefruit production as well as late Navel production. Concern over higher demand for reefer containers in Durban given lack of conventional shipping to Japan, China and EU. Pressure being put on both exporters (accurate and up to date forecast) and shipping lines (repositioning of empties, and vessel integrity) to ensure fruit is moved as quickly as possible.

SOUTH AFRICAN PORTS & CONTAINER FREIGHT STATIONS

DURBAN

Terminal operations have returned to normal. High traffic volumes and high demand on transport booking system. Vessel berthing delays:

Pier 0 – 2 days
Pier 2 – 0 days
Point – 0 days

CFS is experiencing high container volumes, backlogged containers have mostly been cleared. All IDMs are moving as normal and as published.

CAPE TOWN PORT

High traffic volumes and high demand on transport booking system.

Vessel berthing delays:

CTCT – 0 days
MPT – 2 – 4 days

CFS is seeing high cargo volumes.

All IDMs are moving as normal.

PORT ELIZABETH PORT

All terminal operations are as normal.

Adverse weather conditions moving into week 22 (wind)

Vessel berthing delays:

PECT – 0 days
NCT – 0 days

LOCAL NEWS

National Shutdown expected today throughout South Africa in protest of fuel increases (https://www.freightnews.co.za/article/police-high-alert-following-calls-national-shutdown-friday). PIL have published updated demurrage and detention tariffs for South Africa. Should you wish to divert fruit from UK to EU, you will need to ensure your citrus has followed EU Protocol otherwise this will not be allowed.

GLOBAL NEWS

Additional freetime in Portugal has been negotiated with MSC and will be updated on the latest Rate Analysis.

USA/CANADA

AMEX service still under heavy pressure with Canada transport issues as well as delays in USA conventional vessel. Spring Thaw has been lifted for shipments to Montreal, allowing trucking of maximum cargo weight at 25400kgs.

UK, NWC & MED

First WAF vessel, Fort Desaix, currently stacking in Port Elizabeth. She will offer a Port Elizabeth – Europe Service (via Algeciras) for SAECS partners.
MSC Romane will be omitting Coega as well as loading all MSC Anya Reefer cargo in Durban. MSC Anya will only load GP cargo in Durban and go to Coega prior to sailing to EU.
Vessel schedule delays and extended voyage times impacting all European & Med services.
Amended port rotations and port omissions may result in amended cargo loadings.
Vessel changes and “blanked sailings” on the trade.
Extended transit times.
High cargo demand and limited vessel capacity
Operational challenges and increasing fuel prices are impacting freight rates and surcharges on the trade.

Interesting articles:

Did you know that you can get YTD comparisons through Historical Data on Root2Go If you would like to hear more about what Root2Go can offer you and your business, contact your relevant Logistics Manager or Customer Success Manager for more information.

Downloads: