State-owned Transnet Port Terminals’ (TPT’s) Durban Container Terminal (DCT) has extended the date of implementing the changed free import storage rule by one month following what it has called “robust engagements” with its stakeholders last month.  

The DCT Pier 2 will now move implementation from September 1 to October 1, while the DCT Pier 1 will move implementation from October 1 to November 1. 

The terminals have relooked the free 72 hours an importer has to collect a container.  

Previously, the counting of the free 72 hours would start after all containers on a vessel had been offloaded. Now, the counting of the free 72 hours will begin 24 hours after a container is discharged from the vessel and placed in the stacking area.  

There will be no change in the tariff regime and there will be no additional charges for importers, TPT has said. Transporters will receive notifications in real-time from terminal operating system Navis to ensure effectiveness.   

DCT managing executive Earl Peters said the change in the free import storage rule was aimed at improving yard fluidity, container handling efficiencies and would aid a phased-out collection process that ensured fluidity on public roads and within the operational area at the terminals.  

“We have decided to change the implementation dates so that our stakeholders can adequately prepare their systems, customers and supply chains to integrate with the changes,” he said. 

The change in the rule will be applicable to vessels berthing from the first day of implementation. Vessels that started work before the implementation date and that finished work after the implementation date will follow the previous rule and will be billed accordingly.  

The DCT has embarked on several initiatives to improve terminal fluidity, including the container appointment system, which will mean that terminals are treated as throughput facilities.  

“Through this initiative, we are able to optimise existing capacity and . . . eliminate wasted time as congestion in the stacking area slows down the operation,” Peters said.  

He added that this would enable the terminals to discourage the truck congestion associated with pick-up on the last 24 hours of the allocated free 72 hours.