Strong winds disrupt port operations, causing shipment delays

Persistent strong winds at South Africa’s ports have been causing major headaches for businesses awaiting shipments, as delays in offloading have left some companies running low on stock.

The strong gusts have forced Transnet to halt certain operations, affecting both the docking of ships and the use of cranes for loading and offloading containers. Many businesses are now facing extended wait times, with shipments stuck at the ports longer than expected.

Transnet Western Cape Terminals Managing Executive, Oscar Borchards explained the impact of the winds on port operations.

He said operations are halted when wind speeds reach levels that make it unsafe for ships to dock or for cranes to safely handle containers.

"Beyond 90km per hour we have to halt operations for the safety of our people."

Borchards explains that contract workers are bought in to deal with the backlog.

"It is abnormal, so we have to do that. If we know there is going to be gusts, we align our employees."

Keeping a close eye on weather forecasts is crucial, he explains.

"We are working with CSIR who can actually give us a three-day advance notice in terms of weather patterns."

To listen to Oscar Borchards in conversation with CapeTalk's Africa Melane, click the audio below: