Port stats down for March

Port of Richards Bay cargo volumes dipped to 5.7 million tonnes in March, coming down from
6.5 million in February.

The total cargo tonnage handled last month is also a decline compared to the 6.4 million tonnes shifted in the same month last year and the 8.4 million in March 2021.

Of the cargo moved, 5.5 million tonnes was dry bulk, 200 199 tonnes liquid bulk and 17 011 tonnes break bulk.

Richards Bay has the largest dry bulk terminal in the country and handles approximately 54% of total dry bulk cargo.

Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) says the Port of Richards Bay is being positioned as a dry bulk hub port, with plans to feature a new berth for handling Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) as a cleaner alternative to coal for power generation.

Some of the dry bulk terminals and mineral handling facilities are also earmarked for relocation from the Port of Durban’s Island View and Maydon Wharf precincts to the Port of Richards Bay.

Of the total 134 vessels that arrived at the local port in March, 22 were tankers transporting oil, chemical and liquefied petroleum gas.

Two passenger vessels were also recorded as the 2022/23 cruise season drew to a close.

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