November stats for Port of Richards Bay show significant improvement
While the current statistics paint a positive picture, the Port of Richards Bay was negatively impacted by the phased lockdowns necessitated by the Covid-19 pandemic
MORE than 9,5 million tons of cargo was moved at the Port of Richards Bay in November.
This is a substantial increase from the 8 million tons moved in October, but slightly lower in comparison to last year’s 9,8 million tons.
ALSO READ: NSRI festive season safety alert and tips
This is according to the latest statistics released by Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA), which recorded a total of 21,6 million tons of cargo at the country’s eight ports last month.
Of the total cargo handled at the local port, 9,2 million tons was dry bulk, 194 967 tons liquid bulk and 62 317 tons of break bulk.
Among the 166 vessels with a gross tonnage of 6,9 million docking in the port, 129 were for bulk, one was a container vessel and 25 were tankers for oil and chemicals.
A total of 1 177 containers were also shifted at the port in October, 249 which landed on our shores and 928 shipped out.
Impact of Covid-19 restrictions
While the current statistics paint a positive picture, the Port of Richards Bay was negatively impacted by the phased lockdowns necessitated by the Covid-19 pandemic.
According to Transnet’s latest financial results, Richards Bay’s Dry Bulk Terminal’s loading rate declined to 800 tons per hour for the six-month period.
The loading rate was 828 tons per hour in 2019.
The off-loading rate also declined to 416 tons per hour compared to the 459 tons per hour last year.
‘The general slowdown in economic activity saw a decline in performance of key sectors, including mining and manufacturing.
‘This resulted in the decline of rail (-16,4%) and port (- 20,7%) volumes for the period, compared to the same period in the previous year.
‘Bulk terminals were operating at reduced capacity during the initial hard lockdown, which weighed heavily on the exports of iron ore, manganese and chrome,’ said Transnet spokesperson, Ayanda Shezi.
After the initial hard lockdown, output was adversely impacted by regulations that prohibited mines from operating at full capacity.
‘Port volumes were also impacted by the reduced number of employees at work, owing to the effects of positive Covid-19 cases.
‘Pipeline volumes were significantly impacted by the total shutdown of airports, imposed travel restrictions and the negative impact of fuel theft incidents.
‘However, as restrictions began to ease and demand rebounded, Transnet experienced month-to-month improvements in performance across key indicators,’ said Shezi.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.
For news straight to your phone invite us:
WhatsApp – 060 784 2695
Instagram – zululand_observer
