Durban Port Crisis: Presidency Steps In!

An "operational crisis" has been declared at Durban Gateway Terminal (DGT) by the Southern African Association of Freight Forwarders (SAAFF), leading to an intervention by the Presidency. A delegation from the Presidency visited the Port of Durban to address the rapidly deteriorating situation.

SAAFF attributes the crisis to the terminal's transition to a new NAVIS N4 operating system, exacerbated by wider operational, equipment, and coordination issues. This has severely constrained cargo movement and impacted the national supply chain.

The association stressed the need for coordinated efforts across waterside, yard, landside, and rail operations to restore terminal fluidity. They also warned against the unfair transfer of costs from operational delays to cargo owners through demurrage and storage charges.

Major shipping line MSC confirmed the severity, noting breakdowns in quay cranes and straddle carrier shortages, leading to significant berthing delays and reduced productivity. This situation is compounded by the approach of the windy August period, a traditional source of disruption.

This crisis at DGT, a key development in South Africa's port reform, highlights potential systemic issues in private-sector participation. SAAFF calls for future prevention mechanisms and industry representation in recovery processes to ensure operational continuity.