10 November 2023 - Update 02

The situation at terminals in South Africa continues to present challenges. Although terminal recovery plans are in place, we acknowledge that these measures will take time and we sincerely apologise for the significant impact these delays have to our customers businesses. We assure you that shipping lines are working collaboratively with Transnet to expedite the recovery process.

On 3rd November, Transnet issued a notice providing details of the equipment status at the container terminals.

NOTICE OF CURRENT EQUIPMENT STATUS AT THE TRANSNET PORT TERMINALS CONTAINER TERMINALS.

To ensure our customers are kept informed, here is our latest update on conditions across the terminals and mitigating actions being taken to address the delays on our services.

Ports and Terminals Situation

Terminal Commentary
Terminal
Cape Town CTCT
Commentary
  • There has been a slight improvement in waiting times now down to 5-7 days
  • Productivity remains below the expected rates
  • TNPA dredging has been completed and 3 berth operations have resumed
  • Recovery is estimated in 2-3 weeks
Terminal
Cape Town MPT
Commentary
  • 1-3 days delay
Terminal
Cape Town FPT (privately operated serving smaller geared vessels only)
Commentary
  • No delays
  • Terminal may be utilised for feeder operations
  • Currently supplying empty 40HR for grape season
Terminal
Port Elizabeth PECT
Commentary
  • 3 days waiting time
  • STS Crane 3 maintenance continues
  • Recovery in 2 weeks
Terminal
Port Elizabeth NCT
Commentary
  • 6-7 days waiting time – some improvement
  • 3 berth operation implemented
  • Recovery estimated in 3 weeks
Terminal
Durban DCT Pier 2
Commentary
  • 18 days waiting time on SAFARI service – no improvement
  • STS breakdown and straddle carriers’ reliability and availability remain the key challenge to productivity
  • Limited truck scheduled impacting imports collection and exports stacking
  • Recovery estimated in 8-12 weeks
Terminal
Durban Pier 1
Commentary
  • 5-7 days waiting time – no improvement
  • Poor STS and RTG reliability and availability
  • Recovery estimated in 3-4 weeks
Terminal
Rail DUR to JNB
Commentary
  • Operational with some restrictions on capacity
  • Road transport alternatives available
Terminal
Rail JNB to DUR
Commentary
  • Operational with some restrictions on export rail intents
  • Road transport alternatives available

Vessel Operations

We will minimise delays through network actions and contingencies – such as port rotation swaps and omissions which shall compensate for any delays in cargo arrival and export loading . All imports will be discharged and load movements (full and empty) may be reduced depending on productivity achieved versus the pro forma and the required departure times. Upon departure from South Africa, our vessels shall sail at full speed to make up for lost time and ensure the timely arrival at the destination. The table below outlines our most recent plans and decisions. (We recommend that you to continue to refer to Maersk.com for the most up to date schedule updates).

Service Update
Service
SAECS (278)
Update
  • Berthing delays of up to 7 days at NCT have necessitated implementing a service adjustment to realign the schedule.
  • Maintaining on-time arrivals in NCT remains our highest priority.
  • We are committed to providing full and uninterrupted coverage to Cape Town in time for the upcoming grape season.
  • ETA into EUROPE will be delayed by 1-3 days but time will be with time made up on the return voyage to ensure on-time arrival in NCT.
  • Due to the delays being faced in NCT, the Santa Teresa will perform a discharge call in PECT before proceeding to NCT for loading. Onward schedule of the vessel is not impacted Santa Teresa- 234S/234N: Port Elizabeth Double call
  • MOL Proficiency and the MOL Presence will phase out of the SAECS service in South Africa, they will be replaced by ONE Readiness and ONE Reassurance – please refer to latest advisory for details on cargo connections and port coverage SAECS Planned Phase in/Phase out
Service
FW6
Update
  • FW6 is heavily delayed at CTCT die to a combination of terminal performance and wind stoppages.
  • The IMPORT call will be retained – vessels are arriving from the FEA on window and will wait 5-7 days to berth
  • The EXPORT (eastbound) call is even more delayed and port omissions may occur. The HANOVER EXPRESS will omit her export (eastbound) CTCT call – with export bookings moved to the APL HOUSTON Hanover Express– Cape Town- East Bound Omission
Service
AMEX
Update
  • Delayed arrival to NCT due to service bunching and delays ex USA
  • Service slide executed to restore weekly schedule
  • Durban delays impacting ETA into Cape Town MPT by 1-3 days.
Service
SAFARI (160)
Update
  • Equipment failures, dredging and wind stoppages has pushed berthing delays up to 18days. (Vessels are arriving at anchorage on time)
  • CCNI ANGOL will complete operations and depart 11th November and the SANTA URSULA will berth immediately after the ANGOL’s departure.
  • A second phase of dredging is planned in mid-November
  • SAFARI vessels will not be diverted and will remain at anchor in DURBAN.
  • Vessels will sail at full service speed on departure from DURBAN to make up time in the schedule and further schedule recovery actions in FEA will ensure on time arrival back at DURBAN anchorage.
  • Due to the severe waiting time at DURBAN, a service slide has been performed. The slide will commence from San Fernando 345S ex Shanghai. Please refer to advisory SAFARI -VESSEL SLIDING for details.
  • Please note with productivity remaining low, while all imports will be discharged, exports – full and empty – may be reduced through proactive rolling of bookings and limiting of capacity in line with reduced productivity and move count.
Service
MW1 and PROTEA (25)
Update
  • MW1 service is severely delayed ex West Africa and with berthing delays at both Cape Town and Durban ports, omissions are likely
  • We will maintain at least one of the two scheduled South African port calls and alternate between Cape Town and Durban on MW1 and use our PROTEA service ex Durban and Port Elizabeth to cover omissions and provide weekly Africa to Middle East and South Asia services.
  • A slide has been executed on PROTEA to maintain schedule into IMEA. Durban and Port Elizabeth delays.
  • Please refer to our latest advisory MAERSK PANGANI 343E- Terminal Swap Cape Town
Service
General
Update

Please note that during this period of recovery, TPT will apply several exceptional operating rules. (These may be subject to change as released by TPT to market)

  1. Stack closure will be strictly adhered to as specified in the SOPCT, unless the gate is affected by adverse weather conditions.
  2. No late arrivals will be accepted for dry cargo.
  3. No early arrivals will be accepted.
  4. All OOG to be treated as direct delivery.
  5. 100% clearing and assigning of imports 24 hours prior to vessel berthing.

Export bookings

  • We are still operating as normal.
  • Restrictions on the number of moves may be implemented to allow time for services to be restored. Empty moves will be reduced first.
  • Booking limits will be proactively set in response to anticipated productivity constraints. The SPOT platform will be adjusted to reflect these conditions. Rolling of bookings may still be necessary occasionally.
  • When rail and truck schedules are constrained, we are able to offer stagging and transport solutions.

Imports on water, to be discharged and landed

  • All imports will be discharged
  • Due to constraints in rail and terminal trucking appointments, we can provide options for land transportation and staging as well as “back of port” solutions. Please reach out to your Sales and CX advisors for further information.
  • Bookings from the rest of the world to South Africa remain open.
  • Due to increased bunker consumption costs and the addition of more vessels to counteract terminal delays and loss of moves, a congestion surcharge on imports will be introduced starting on the 1st of December. This surcharge, known as the Congestion Fee Destination (CFD), will be applicable to imports to South Africa from all destinations (except West and East Africa)

We acknowledge the importance of transparency and will take all necessary measures to mitigate delays caused by this surcharge. We will keep you, our esteemed customers, updated on any new developments and contingency plans for your convenience.

We thank you for your patience during this period and reassure you that we are reachable through all our usual communication channels.


02 November 2023 - Update 01

On 24th October Transnet provided a summary of the causes of delay and planned improvement measures, reference: REQUIRED RECOVERY IN KWAZULU-NATAL, EASTERN CAPE, AND WESTERN CAPE CONTAINER TERMINALS - MEASURES TO IMPROVE OPERATIONS, EQUIPMENT, AND BERTHING RULES (EFFECTIVE FROM 30TH OCTOBER 2023).

“Lack of equipment has negatively impacted terminal productivity. Other factors, such as poor weather, had also exacerbated the delays. In addition, delays in one terminal were creating further congestion in the complimentary terminal network within SA”

Each of the Transnet executives presented their terminal plans for their immediate recovery measures – including restoration of berth operations, accelerated dredging plans, the recovery of terminal equipment capacity and accelerated operator training. These measures are essential, and the shipping lines will continue to work with Transnet in partnership to drive the recovery process forward.

Full recovery will take time and we appreciate the immense negative impact the delays are having on our customers. To ensure our customers are kept informed we will provide a comprehensive update on the terminals, our services, and the mitigating actions being taken to address the delays.

Ports and Terminals Situation

Terminal Commentary
Terminal
Cape Town CTCT
Commentary
  • 11-12 days waiting time
  • 2 berth operation
  • TNPA dredging underway and 3rd berth operation will resume in early November
  • Recovery estimated in 4 weeks
Terminal
Cape Town MPT
Commentary
  • 1-3 days delay
Terminal
Port Elizabeth PECT
Commentary
  • 3 days waiting time
  • STS Crane 3 under maintenance
Terminal
Port Elizabeth NCT
Commentary
  • 7 days waiting time
  • 3 berth operation implemented
  • Recovery estimated in 3 weeks
Terminal
Durban DCT Pier 2
Commentary
  • 16 days waiting time on SAFARI service
  • STS breakdowns and straddle carriers’ reliability and availability continue
  • Limited truck scheduled impacting imports collection and exports stacking
  • Recovery estimated in 8 weeks
Terminal
Durban Pier 1
Commentary
  • 6-7 days waiting time
  • STS and RTG reliability and availability
  • Recovery estimated in 3-4 weeks
Terminal
Rail DUR to JNB
Commentary
  • Operational with some restrictions on capacity
  • Road transport alternatives available
Terminal
Rail JNB to DUR
Commentary
  • Operational with some restrictions on export rail intents
  • Road transport alternatives available

Vessel Operations

We will mitigate delays through network actions and contingencies – port rotation swaps and omissions to compensate for delays in cargo arrival and export loading . All imports will be discharged. Load movements (full and empty) may be reduced depending on productivity achieved versus pro forma and required departure times. On departure from South Africa, our vessels will sail at full speed to make up time to meet the ETA at destination. The table below details our latest planning and decisions. (Please consult Maersk.com for the latest schedule updates)

Service Update
Service
SAECS (278)
Update
  • With berthing delays into NCT of up to 7 days a service slide has been implemented to reset the schedule.
  • On-time arrival at NCT remains a top priority
  • Full and continuous coverage to Cape Town will be achieved in time for the upcoming grape season.
  • ETA into EUROPE will be delayed by 1-3 days with time made up on the return voyage to ensure on-time arrival in NCT.
Service
FW6
Update
  • FW6 is heavily delayed at CTCT – a combination of terminal performance and wind stoppages.
  • The IMPORT call will be retained – vessels are arriving from the FEA on window and will wait 7 days to berth
  • The EXPORT (eastbound) call is more delayed and port omissions are possible. The MAERSK AMAZON will omit her export (eastbound) CTCT call – with export bookings moved to the HANOVER EXPRESS
Service
AMEX
Update
  • Delayed arrival to NCT due to service bunching and delays ex USA
  • Service slide executed to restore weekly schedule
  • Durban delays impacting ETA into Cape Town MPT by 1-3 days.
Service
SAFARI (160)
Update
  • Equipment failures, dredging and wind stoppages has pushed berthing delays up to 16 days. (Vessels are arriving at anchorage on time)
  • SAN FERNANDO has just completed operations. All imports have been discharged. We were unable to complete all full export loads given productivity and time constraints. The vessel had to cut and run to make high tide departure. 70 units have been short shipped and will load on the CCNI ANGOL Productivity remains below pro forma.
  • CCNI ANGOL will berth on 03rd November immediately after completion of dredging.
  • SAFARI vessels will not be diverted and will remain at anchor in DURBAN.
  • Vessels will sail at full service speed on departure from DURBAN to make up time in the schedule and further schedule recovery actions in FEA will ensure on time arrival back at DURBAN anchorage.
  • Please note that if productivity remains low for a given call, all imports will be discharged and the export load – full and empty – may be reduced through proactive rolling of bookings.
Service
MW1 and PROTEA (25)
Update
  • MW1 service is severely delayed ex West Africa and with berthing delays at both Cape Town and Durban ports, omissions are likely
  • We will maintain at least one of the two scheduled South African port calls and alternate between Cape Town87’\ and Durban on MW1 and use our PROTEA service ex Durban and Port Elizabeth to cover omissions and provide weekly Africa to Middle East and South Asia services.
  • A slide has been executed on PROTEA to maintain schedule into IMEA. Durban and Port Elizabeth delays.

Please refer to our latest advisory MAERSK IYO DURBAN OMISSION

Service
General
Update

Please note that during this period of recovery, TPT will apply several exceptional operating rules. (These may be subject to change as released by TPT to market)

  1. Stack closure will be strictly adhered to as specified in the SOPCT, unless the gate is affected by adverse weather conditions.
  2. No late arrivals will be accepted for dry cargo.
  3. No early arrivals will be accepted.
  4. All OOG to be treated as direct delivery.
  5. 100% clearing and assigning of imports 24 hours prior to vessel berthing.

Export bookings

  • We remain fully open for business.
  • Restrictions on the number of moves may be implemented to allow time to get services to be restored. Empty moves will be reduced first.
  • Booking limits will be set proactively in response to anticipated productivity constraints. The SPOT platform will be adjusted to reflect these conditions. Rolling of bookings may still be necessary on occasion.
  • When rail and truck schedules are constrained, we can provide landside transport and staging solutions.

Imports on water, to be discharged and landed

  • All imports will be discharged
  • Given rail and terminal trucking appointment constraints, we can offer landside transport and staging options as well as “back of port” solutions (please contact your Sales and CX consultants for more details)
  • Bookings from the rest of the world into South Africa can continue to be made without restriction.

We will take all reasonable steps to mitigate impact of the delays and recognise that information and transparency is of the utmost importance at this time. We will keep you, our customers informed of developments and contingency plans.

We thank you for your patience during this period. We remain available through all our usual channels.

We ask that you continue to pay attention to our customer advisories during this time. If you have any questions, please contact our Customer Experience teams and visit our website Maersk.com.

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