Transnet Port Terminals (TPT) has lifted the force majeure it declared on October 6 related to containers amid strike action by employees.
The near two-week strike ended earlier this month when Transnet signed a three-year wage agreement with United National Transport Union on October 17. Transnet also subsequently secured an agreement with the South African Transport and Allied Workers Union.
It is estimated that South Africa lost the opportunity to move R65-billion worth of goods during the industrial action at the country’s ports.
TPT has been implementing recovery plans to stabilise operational performance and efficiencies across all container handling terminals in the country.
The State-owned freight utility says the terminals are now ready to return to pre-strike planning of operations, which promote maximum movement of goods.
From November 1, all container vessels will be berthed in accordance with pre-strike berthing window schedules and all containers are to be removed within the free storage period.
TPT already lifted the force majeure relating to its automotive, bulk and multi-purpose terminals on October 21.