'We already have export fruit stuck on ships as result of Middle East conflict', says WCape export body

Shipping disruption as a result of the conflict in the Middle East is escalating as carriers are forced to reroute via Cape Town.

However, the impact of delays on our exporters could be extreme.

RELATED: Middle East war could change sea traffic patterns around Cape Town

Exporters Western Cape (EWC) has raised the question of what is to happen with spoilable and perishable produce like fruit.

Terry Gale, chairperson of the non-profit organisation, says they have reached a stage where fruit moved before the US and Israeli strikes on Iran started on 28 February, is already sitting on container ships in the ocean.

"You can't do anything with it - the produce cannot be transferred anywhere else because of how the sanitary requirements differ from country to country. And we've opened up a very good market in the Middle East, particularly Dubai."

Another problem is that some shipping lines have indicated that they're not accepting bookings to transport fruit to the region.

"The peak deciduous season is over, that's our stone fruit; and we're now looking at apples and pears, and the grapes are still moving as well so it's not peak season... but there are boxes of fruit that are stuck... and we don't know what is going to happen from day to day."

Gale also highlights the fact that shipping lines have implemented emergency fuel charges, and by the time sea transport does pick up for local exporters, these increased costs will have to be covered by some party or parties.

Scroll up the the audio player to listen to the interview - we apologise for patchy audio in places