Increased breakbulk shipments my solve problems with sending citrus to China
South Africa’s citrus industry is looking at strategic actions which could help solve perpetual disruptions and delays at the Port of Durban.
Exporters feel many issues in Durban could be resolved by increased breakbulk shipments to China, a market where the industry is experiencing considerable growth at present.
In a newsletter issued to growers, the South African Citrus Growers Association (CGA) said containerised exports to China have doubled this season, causing many operational challenges in Durban.
“Exports to China require cold treatment, which doubled the requirement for forced air precooling, space as well as specific types of containers. Furthermore it also requires more trucks with Genset units to provide power to the containers during transport,” the CGA explained.
The CGA said the added demand for cold treatment shipments caused a backlog in exports, as the supply of container equipment and trucks could not keep up with demand.
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