Durban container terminal working to resolve backlog: Creecy
The delays have also affected cargo owners and businesses, with additional costs linked to storage
Transport Minister Barbara Creecy has informed that the container terminal at the Durban port is actively addressing a backlog, which emerged following the introduction of the new Navis operating system in August. The system's migration led to disruptions in cargo flows, truck bookings, and vessel movements, with waiting times for certain ships extending up to 12 days. These delays have impacted cargo owners and businesses, resulting in additional storage costs.
Creecy pointed out that the latest disruptions follow a major backlog experienced by the port in 2023 and 2024. At the Durban Gateway Terminal, she mentioned that the average waiting time for vessels has improved to 8.3 days. However, her target of 24-hour waiting times remains unattainable, with her best performance under her watch being around three days.
Creecy acknowledged that attaining her goal would require a considerable amount of time but emphasized the need for a clear plan from her partners to effectively manage the backlog.
Written by urgent.news from SABC News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
