Recent management adjustments and enhanced transparency at the Cape Town port have positively impacted the backlog issues for fruit exports, though achieving global parity in port productivity remains a significant challenge. The port has seen a reduction in wind-related delays this February, facilitating smoother operations. Despite these improvements, a notable portion of export fruit bypassed the Cape Town terminal, opting instead for Eastern Cape ports or specialized reefer vessels, incurring high costs for the industry.
Jacques du Preez, Hortgro's General Manager of trade and markets, noted that while the peak seasons for table grapes and stone fruit are concluding, the apple and pear segments are ramping up. He acknowledged the progress made but emphasized the ongoing journey towards restoring the port's efficiency, highlighting the detrimental impact on the stone fruit sector.
The primary obstacle remains the outdated equipment fleet, with urgent needs for replacement and expansion. The procurement of new equipment faces hurdles such as lengthy lead times and financial constraints. Despite improvements, operational challenges persist with equipment failures and delays in export schedules, casting a long shadow over the fruit industry's reputation. Du Preez advocates for public-private partnerships to expedite equipment upgrades and delineate responsibilities between the Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) and operational entities.
Source: hortgro.co.za