COVID - Shipping update Southern Africa

IVSS

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Apr 17, 2020
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I just wanted to provide a brief update on shipping, at present it is becoming quite difficult for a number of reasons,

  • Restrictions on individual movement - this is limiting the ability of people in Southern Africa to deliver their vehicles to ports, and to collect them, this also applies when the vehicles arrive in Europe, people may not able to cross from one country to another and again they are finding that they cannot collect them. (they can be transported if required or left at the port or warehouse but incur costs - Most EU ports are open and allowing drop off and collections)
  • Restrictions implemented by warehouses or ports - some warehouses and port are looking to restrict the interaction of individuals and staff, and we have seen some state that they will only accept cargo delivered by transporter, and some warehouses have either closed, or are not allowing the clients to be present during loading
  • Customs - Customs in some countries like South Africa, will not inspect vehicles during the lockdown
  • lack of demand – globally, due to supply chain issues, and factories closing down, there is a knock-on effect to the shipping industry especially Roll on Roll Off whereby the carriers are actively rerouting and cancelling vessels where there is a significant drop in demand, unfortunately, in some cases the carriers will only provide a days notice before loading of cancelling the port call and this causes a significant headache. We have seen this in particular from Mexico to Europe, Argentina to the USA, and a reduction of sailings between North America and Europe, and we expect this to spread further in the coming weeks.
  • So generally, if you are looking to ship be prepared for unexpected changes, frustrations and possibly additional costs, whether it be at the port of load or at the destination.

It is really important, that you do check that you can physically get to the port of departure, and keep checking on this, as the situation is changing frequently.

If your shipment is planned in the next 30 days make sure you are in contact with your local agent and are receiving real-time updates as to the local situation.

If your shipment is in 30 days or more, at this time, quite honestly, nobody knows, the local situation could change that could prevent you getting to the port, or could be lifted, or there could be changes to the sailing schedules.

It's important to note that, Shipping is an essential service for all countries, and therefore it is continuing however, it's where individuals need interaction, shipping of non-essential items, or items that are seeing a lack of demand is where the problems are occurring.

Specific updates:

Europe:
most ports remain open with both RORO & Container cargo moving, restrictions are more on people rather than cargo

South Africa: During the lock down cargo that will not be inspected by customs therefore has to stay at the port or moved in bond to depot / warehouse for storage. Some carriers may force you to use their depot, therefore incur their costs, some may allow you to move the container to your agents depot, therefore saving on costs.

Namibia - No RORO at present, containers are moving
 
Updates:

South Africa:

imports: cargo is being moved to local storage, but generally advise not shipping until you are physically able to get to South Africa
exports: are now fine

Namibia
imports: RORO & containers ok, being stored locally
exports: containers are moving, no Roll on Roll Off
 
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