Strike has limited impact on SAPO operations

May 18, 2006
Author: P&S

Durban, Thursday, 18 May 2006: South African Port Operations, a division of Transnet Ltd said Richards Bay, East London, Saldanha and Cape Town experienced normal operations in the wake of a national COSATU strike today.

SAPO Chief Operating Officer, Graham Braby said there were limited disruptions to operations at Durban and Port Elizabeth.

He said landside operations were stopped at the Durban Container Terminal with 50 percent activity at the quayside.

Mr Braby said there were no vessels scheduled for Pier One today and therefore no quayside operations were necessary.

“There were three vessels at the Multi Purpose Terminal and we were able to maintain operations at the terminal with the assistance of casual labour.

“There was one vessel at PE and capacity was about 75 percent to allow landside and quayside operations.”

Mr Braby said SAPO was satisfied that contingency plans ensured a limited impact on operations.