Transnet Port Terminals (TPT) reports that it has recruited 200 additional cargo coordinators and has set up dedicated lanes for refrigerated containers at all KwaZulu-Natal container terminals in preparation for the citrus fruit export season, which begins this month.

Congestion at the country’s ports has been a drag on the sector’s export performance in recent years, with the Citrus Growers' Association of Southern Africa (CGA) indicating that the 165.1-million 15-kg cartons packed for delivery to global markets in 2023 was below expectations, despite being 800 000 cartons up on the previous year.

Given prospects of a good harvest, TPT is preparing for an overall 15% increase in export volumes this year, with the CGA having already forecast increases for the export of lemons, Navel oranges, Valencia oranges, grapefruits, satsuma, Clementines and Novas.

Besides dedicated lanes for refrigerated containers at the gates, TPT commercial and planning GM Michelle van Buren Schele also confirmed the following initiatives:

an increase in the number of truck appointment slots, based on demand and capacity during this season across KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape;

the recruitment and training of over 200 additional cargo coordinators and port workers for the next seven months;

the introduction of new equipment at some terminals, including haulers, trailers, reach stackers and empty container handlers to enhance landside operations;

the creation of capacity to improve the turnaround times for empty containers by stacking up to six containers high; and

the testing and maintenance of all electric plugs for the refrigerated containers.

Durban Container Terminal Pier 1 has confirmed a total of 1 440 plug points with back-up power, while Durban Container Terminal Pier 2 has a total of 2 424 plug points, and the Durban Multipurpose Terminal 277 plug points.

In Gqeberha, the Ngqura Container Terminal has confirmed a total of 1 652 plug points and the Port Elizabeth Container Terminal a total of 932.

Van Buren Schele says communication has also been broadened beyond shipping lines, citrus growers and cold stores to the full supply chain with the aims of ensuring flexibility and that the entire 24-hour operational window at terminals is utilised.