The Durban Container Terminal (DCT) Pier 2 has averaged single-digit vessels at anchor over the last two weeks, having earlier ensured that all priority cargo across the retail, automotive, energy and fast moving consumer goods sectors reached shelves at the required time.

“We are not out of the woods, but we have exceeded our set targets of clearing the vessel backlog,” Durban Terminals managing executive Earle Peters said on January 11.

He added that close collaboration with shipping lines and cargo owners, as well as employee commitment ensured that work continued throughout the holiday season. Original-equipment manufacturers are currently on site, providing technical support and supplying critical spares of handling equipment for repairs. 

Peters said weather continues to disrupt operations; however, contingency plans are in place.

“We are pursuing an aggressive recovery plan and our main focus is to relieve the pressure on our customers who rely on our service and look to us to provide much-needed value,” he said.

DCT Pier 2 has averaged 3 681 20-foot equivalent units (TEUs) every 24 hours, with a total of 55 219 TEUs moved in the last two weeks.

The trucking community has kept the terminal fluid on the landside during this period. DCT Pier 2 continues to engage with shipping lines on the review of surcharges on import containers with improved productivity.

“We are confident that the supply chain will soon return to normality as many other processes are involved once cargo leaves the terminal,” Peters said, adding that the rollout of the fourth shift at the terminals since December was yielding positive results.