Transnet to lift majeure soon after forced manual hiatus

TRANSNET said yesterday that it was considering lifting a force majeure after five days of downtime that involved using only systems that could be operated manually to cope with a backlog of trucks, ships and empty dockyards.

In a statement yesterday, Transnet said it expected that some applications may continue to run slowly over the next few days, while monitoring systems were brought back in a staggered manner to minimise further risks and interruptions.

“It is expected that some applications may continue to run slowly over the next few days, while monitoring continues. All operating systems will be brought back in a staggered manner to minimise further risks and interruptions, the group said.

Logistics groups, including the private road transport representative organisation, the Road Freight Association, said yesterday that operations had been seriously hampered by the four-day hiatus.

“A force majeure, communicated by Transnet Port Terminals on July 26 to customers, covering the period from July 22, is expected to be lifted soon,” the parastatal said yesterday.

Business continuity plans had enabled Transnet Freight Rail to continue utilising its manual back-up operations, and run its trains as planned.

“We wish to assure stakeholders and customers that all processes followed allow for the safe operation of trains.

“We have requested customers with cross-border traffic and where the Sars clearance process is applicable, to submit hard copies of the Sars clearance documentation with their consignment noted at the Order Entry Office/ Terminals.

“This will assist in the manual system application to authorise the departure of trains,” Transnet said yesterday.