Dear Colleagues
The Cape Doctor has left us for a few days and our terminals are fully operational again.
As we are between seasons in the port with the 1st of the grapes being exported within the next few weeks – lasting through the summer months, coupled with the deciduous season and by all accounts, these are going to be bumper seasons!
Trump’s tariffs not withstanding!
On that note, it appears that many of the American buyers of our fruit, would prefer to purchase from the Western Cape, in view of the quality of the fruit, reliability and transit time of the service (thank you, MSC!) that they will absorb the 30% reciprocal tariff.
We must never undersell ourselves!
This is good news as we are aware that the SA Government is hoping that AGOA will be extended which, of course, is 1st prize, if only the GNU would appreciate the urgency of this as the longer it takes, the more jobs that are at stake!
This Is something that we can collectively achieve by endorsing EWC’s stand on this issue, as we have done with the withdrawal of the Merchant Shipping Bill from Parliament – your voice must be heard & taken cognizance of!
Maersk officially opened their Belcon facilities on Tuesday which will greatly assist with the movement of Reefer Containers when the terminal goes windbound – a vote of confidence in our city and province.
Port Stats are as follows: (week 20 – 26th October)
• CTCT : 19916 TEU handled 14000 TEU target;15 GCH 19 target SWH 35.4 target 40; wind delays 24 hours; 769 rail moves;
• CTMPT : no container vessels record
• FPT: Berth Occupancy 66%; 4 vessels handled: 1 multi cargo; 3 layby; 249 TEU; 3320.71 MT dry bulk; 1030.446MT B/B General Cargo
• Equipment:1 STS out on maintenance; new RTG should be fully operational within the next few weeks
• Fruit : YTD 54% increase from 24/25 season
Please remember to renew your 25/26 membership before cob tomorrow when our extended offer ends – email noreen@ewc.org.za or info@ewc.org.za for more information,.
We are in the process of negotiating with the Minister of Transport Barbara Creecy to provide the keynote address at our November function, so watch this space!
Next week is another exciting week in our city as the Western Cape hosts the Western Cape Investment Summit (www.wcis.co.za) and we will provide updates from the front row!!!
Let’s Grow the Cape together!
