The port of Port Elizabeth has experienced an increase of 105% in operational levels compared with April last year since the launch of a 24-hour marine service by the National Ports Authority (NPA).
Harbour master and acting port manager Captain Neil Chetty says the port has seen various categories of vessels taking advantage of the round-the-clock marine service, ranging from car and container to multi-purpose vessels.
The escalation in vessel movement is most significant from 10pm to 6am.
“Previously, shipping lines were subjected to a costly slot charge fee for using our marine services during this period. The tanker vessels were also subjected to a tanker watch fee. These fees are now no longer applicable,” Chetty said.
In April last year the port provided an after-hours service to 12 container vessels. However, last month alone the number of container vessels using the port during this period rose to 23. In addition, car vessels increased from one to six.
The availability of a 24-hour marine service has resulted in an improvement in vessel turnaround time and has led to the current recruitment of a further 43 marine employees. “Due to limited marine skills, appointments will be considered in all marine grades based on the relevant qualifications of the applicants,” Chetty said.
Although there is a critical shortage of skilled women in both the lower and higher marine grades, the port is determined to achieve its objective of ensuring that of the 43 additional vacancies, at least 20% will be occupied by women.
The port has also finalised tariff levels for 2008/09, effective from April 1, in order to accommodate industry demand.
The port of Ngqura will apply the same tariff levels as published in the official tariff book.