Richards Bay port stats for October
The Port of Richards Bay shifted 8 million tons during the month of October
OF the more than 19 million tons of cargo handled at the country’s ports in October, the Port of Richards Bay shifted 8 million tons.
This is according to the latest statistics released by Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) last week.
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The total tonnage moved by the local port is, however, slightly lower compared to the 8.7 million tons handled in September.
Of the total cargo handled last month 7.8 million tons were dry bulk, 176 217 tons liquid bulk and 34 667 tons breakbulk.
Among the 148 vessels with a gross tonnage of 5,6 million docking in the port, 111 were for bulk, one was a container vessel and 27 were tankers for oil and chemicals.
A search and research vessel also called in last month.
Although all commercial sea ports are operational under alert Level 1 of the lockdown, cruise ships remain prohibited from calling at any of the ports, except for the disembarkation of returning South African crew, citizens or holders of permanent residence permits.
A total of 821 containers were also shifted at the port in October, 527 which landed on our shores and 294 shipped out.
With more than 90% of global trade being transported by ships, TNPA recently raised concerns about the incorrect labelling of dangerous goods.
TNPA Acting Chief Harbour Master, Captain Sabelo Mdlalose, warned of the risk associated with disregarding the international maritime dangerous goods (IMDG) code, which sets out protocols on the proper packaging, labelling, transporting and handling of such goods.
‘These protocols are in place to prevent any related incidents and keep our ports, people and operations safe.
‘One of the major concerns is the incorrect labelling of the IMDG containers that could pose a huge risk in the event of an incident.
Emergency services will not have accurate information and resources to fight a fire or deal with other emergencies,’ said Mdlalose.
He said incorrect or missing labels could lead to delays in port operations.
‘Random audits will be conducted by the terminal and port authorities to ensure compliance of the procedures.
‘A task team has been established by the Department of Transport and industry players to identify any gaps in the system and to improve on it,’ he said.
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