Transnet prepares for billion-rand challenges in the upcoming fruit export season

As the upcoming deciduous fruit export season looms, South African logistics company Transnet is taking steps to avoid the costly delays experienced last year. The fruit industry suffered more than R4 billion in losses due to wind delays and operational issues at the Port of Cape Town, with table grapes alone losing around R3.2 billion.

The port has been ranked among the worst container ports globally, prompting concerns about its capacity to manage the upcoming season's demands. However, Transnet reports significant progress in enhancing the port’s performance, with vessel, truck, and rail turnaround times improving by 35% and 82% respectively.

Transnet is collaborating with exporters, shipping lines, and industry bodies to prepare for the anticipated surge in volumes during the peak export period. They are addressing vessel scheduling, cargo delivery, reefer capacity, and stack management, particularly in case of weather-related disruptions. Additionally, the company is considering Belcon or an alternative intermediary facility for temporarily storing reefer containers and transferring them by rail to the Cape Town Container Terminal.

To further improve coordination and transparency, Transnet is organizing a forum involving the Department of Transport, shipping lines, and agents. While private-sector operators manage nine of the Port of Cape Town’s 11 terminals, Transnet aims to maintain its gains by continuing collaboration across the logistics chain as the fruit export season approaches.