{
  "id": 17170730,
  "title": "Durban Pier 2 backlog could take until February to clear, says Creecy",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/30/durban-pier-2-backlog-could-take-until-february-to-clear-says-creecy",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-30T03:47:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "IOL",
    "slug": "iol",
    "url": "https://iol.co.za/mercury/news/2026-10-30-durban-pier-2-backlog-could-take-until-february-to-clear-says-creecy/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Transport Minister Barbara Creecy has stated that Durban's challenging Pier 2 container terminal will take several months to recover from its recent backlog. She expects new handling equipment to arrive in December and anticipates gradual improvements through February. Upon arriving in Durban, Creecy was dismayed by the number of ships in the harbor, counting 39 compared to 32 during an earlier visit. Eight of these vessels were associated with the private-sector-run Durban Gateway Terminal (DGT), which is located at Pier 2. While Transnet holds a majority stake in the port, the daily operations are managed by the private operator. Despite efforts to restore normal operations, delays have persisted, causing additional costs for importers, exporters, and transporters. Creecy acknowledged that the system changeover had been poorly timed, creating a backlog that will take time to clear. She has visited the facility alongside Transnet's board chair and the group's CEO and COO. The operator is taking steps to improve performance, but additional equipment is necessary. Creecy stated that while an immediate fix is not possible, appropriate measures are being taken to address the issue. Pier 2 handles approximately 46% of South Africa's container volumes and has been operated by DGT since January under a 25-year partnership between Transnet and ICTSI. Vessels at Pier 2 have been waiting an average of 8.3 days, exceeding the 24-hour target. Plans for a replacement truck booking system, more rail movements, and changes to container-yard operations have been outlined. Congestion is also affecting areas outside the port, with truck operators complaining of long waits at gates and on surrounding roads. The Truckers Association of South Africa has warned that prolonged delays may financially strain smaller trucking companies. Transnet has initiated work on an intermodal freight system along the Johannesburg-Durban corridor, aiming to enhance railway lines and link ports, inland terminals, and facilities for goods transfer between trucks and trains.",
  "summary": "Transport Minister Barbara Creecy says new equipment should gradually improve performance at Durban Container Terminal Pier 2 from December, but warned that the backlog may take until February to clear.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}