Durban Container Terminal (DCT) Pier 2 is implementing a rail link solution to enhance terminal fluidity and decrease truck congestion around the port for the forthcoming citrus season. According to a statement from Transnet’s DCT management, the terminal will facilitate a rail link for customers’ imported containers to a back-of-port facility located seven kilometres away. This initiative aims to reduce the number of trucks visiting the terminal.
Durban Terminals managing executive, Earle Peters, emphasised the importance of efficient waterside and landside traffic management through collaborations with shipping lines and truckers. He noted that customers have been retrieving their containers from the back-of-port facility with minimal waiting times and less congested roads since January.
The back-of-port initiative also seeks to clear terminal stacks faster, thus improving vessel turnaround time due to enhanced landside capacity. The terminal is also optimising the 109 A empty stack to ensure timely container delivery to packing houses.
Peters added that preparations also include anticipating an influx of empty refrigerated containers for packing. The port will engage with citrus sector stakeholders to ensure efficient cargo handling this season.
Source: freightnews.co.za