A meeting between Sati, Transnet and the minister of transport has produced concrete commitments aimed at improving port operations
A high-level meeting involving South Africa’s minister of transport, Transnet officials and the South African table grape industry (Sati) has set out priorities for dealing with the new table grape season.
It comes after some years of logistical problems in the container terminal in Cape Town.
“This was an important conversation,” said Sati chief executive Mecia Petersen.
”I think it is important that we start from a point centred around how we work together better as role players to achieve more streamlined operations at the ports and ultimately get fruit into the market within desired windows.
“What I can share is that there were three commitments that came from the minister’s desk today,” she continued.
“In the immediate term we will establish a stakeholder forum with execution authority to promote integration.
”This forum will be focused on the gate, the stack and the vessel, which are three key components at the port operations,” Petersen explained.
”The idea is to support agile decision-making. It will comprise Transnet port terminals, shipping lines and freight forwarders.
“Then, in terms of season readiness – quite an important component for us in the grape context – it was agreed that there will be a strategy in place to effectively utilise the wider port networks, including those outside Cape Town,” she outlined.
“What that means is proactively planning to divert cargo to other ports, which helps us mitigate factors that constrain efficiency – such as weather.
”Thirdly, over the longer term, Transnet will have a look at its digital agenda with the aim of creating platforms that can give us greater visibility of shared data,” Petersen pointed out.
”This is important to drive data-driven decisions across the value chain.”
Some of the biggest risks that the industry faces, especially during the deciduous season when they have to deal with peak volumes, include unpredictable weather, she said.
“Think about climate change, which is becoming increasingly evident and relevant. Secondly there is labour planning. And then also equipment reliability and breakdowns.”
In terms of those risks, the port did outline plans at this week’s meeting.
“They have something in place to avoid the absenteeism that was prevalent in the previous season,” Petersen confirmed. “You need that because you don’t want to have fewer teams than are required. So, with that, they’re employing more people.
“They also plan to get back-up operational staff from Eastern Cape ports and Durban to help in Cape Town. That should make a difference.”
Some new equipment has been ordered, and the original equipment manufacturers are working on things that need to be fixed.
“The unpredictable weather no one can foresee. But this is where the diversion strategy becomes extremely important, especially during the peak deciduous season,” Petersen added.
”In the grape context we saw a big increase of diversions via the Eastern Cape ports last season, and I do expect to see that again this season.”
