WC govt says much more work to be done to improve Port of CT performance, noting changes in management
The World Bank Global Container Port Performance Index assesses efficiencies and how long container vessels stay at ports.
A bird's eye view of the City of Cape Town. Picture: SkyPixels/Wikimedia Commons
CAPE TOWN - The Western Cape government has commented on the most recent World Bank Container Terminal Performance Report, in which the Port of Cape Town is ranked the worst-performing container terminal out of the 405 ports assessed.
Finance and Economic Opportunities MEC, Mireille Wenger, said the organisation’s most recent port performance index relates to operations in 2023, in which there were significant inefficiencies, compromising exports, economic growth and job creation.
MEC Wenger noted that since then, there had been significant changes in the Port of Cape Town management.
Other South African ports ranked near the bottom are Durban, Ngqurha and Port Elizabeth.
The World Bank Global Container Port Performance Index assesses efficiencies and how long container vessels stay at ports.
However, Wenger said a recovery plan had been implemented by new management, while emphasising that much more work must be done to ensure the port realises its economic growth and job creation potential.
"The most recent World Bank’s container port performance index, which has ranked the Port of Cape Town last of all container terminals globally, relates to performance in 2023. Since then, there have been significant changes in the management of the Port of Cape Town, including the establishment of recovery targets."
She said the path to improved efficiency is clear, as the private sector must be included in the operations of the container terminal urgently.
"Make no mistake, there is much more work to be done to ensure that the Port of Cape Town realises its full potential and becomes a catalyst for economic growth and job creation it should be. The path forward to improved efficiency is clear – the private sector must be included in the operations of the container terminal urgently."
With the citrus fruit season nearly under way, the port must be optimal.
Wenger said the next few months would be critical to provide certainty to the industry and all value chain stakeholders.
"The next few months will be critical to provide certainty to industry and all value chain stakeholders that the Port of Cape Town can operate efficiently and reliably, therefore enabling job creation and economic growth."
Last year, farmers and traders worldwide were threatened by delayed logistics and slow turnaround times.