Cape Town Port explores automation to improve efficiency and suppot agri exports

SOUTH AFRICA – The Port of Cape Town, a vital hub for South Africa’s agricultural exports, has been under scrutiny for operational inefficiencies that hinder its performance.

With approximately 80% of the country’s fruit exports passing through its facilities, addressing these challenges has become a pressing concern.

The World Bank ranked Cape Town as the least efficient port globally in its 2023 Container Port Performance Index.

While Transnet, the state-owned entity managing South Africa’s ports, has disputed the findings, the organization acknowledges the need for improvement.

To mitigate these issues, the port has invested in new equipment, such as reach stackers and rubber-tired gantries, which are expected to ease logistical bottlenecks.

Transport Minister Barbara Creecy emphasized the importance of these upgrades, noting that 75 new pieces of equipment have been added to the port’s arsenal. “These tools are designed to help with container stacking and vessel loading, which will go a long way in reducing delays,” Creecy said.

Weather conditions, particularly strong winds, have also exacerbated inefficiencies, highlighting the need for modernized operations.

Despite these challenges, industry stakeholders are optimistic that automation and digital solutions could play a transformative role in improving port performance.

The prospect of automation has sparked mixed reactions. Captain Naresh Sewnath of the Transnet National Port Authority shared insights into efforts to align digital systems with local requirements. “We are customizing digital platforms to meet operational needs and comply with South African regulations,” he stated.

However, trade unions remain cautious, fearing potential job losses and reduced oversight. Union representatives have voiced concerns about how automation might impact the workforce, while some experts argue that improved efficiency could boost agricultural exports and create employment in related sectors.

Compounding these challenges is competition from ports in neighboring countries, which have gained traction due to their superior efficiency. This regional rivalry adds urgency to Transnet’s efforts to enhance Cape Town’s performance.

These developments come as the Southern African Development Community (SADC) grapples with disruptions caused by unrest in Mozambique.

The conflict has severely impacted regional trade and energy routes, prompting an Extraordinary Summit of the Organ Troika to address the issue.

Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who chaired the summit, underscored the importance of stability in Mozambique for the region’s economic health.

“The summit directed the Inter-state Defence and Security Committee to propose measures to protect the regional trade routes, humanitarian corridors, and energy supplies while finding solutions to the political and security challenges in the Republic of Mozambique,” she explained.

Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema highlighted the broader effects of Mozambique’s crisis, noting, “The conflict is not only affecting the people of Mozambique but also hindering regional trade in critical sectors like energy and transport.”

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