In what is being hailed as one of the most robust specialized reefer deciduous fruit seasons in almost 20 years, the bustling activity in the region’s fruit export industry has taken the market by storm. November and December marked the onset of this remarkable season, with two vessels dedicated to transporting pre-Christmas fruit. What was initially planned as a biweekly specialized reefer vessel (SRV) service to Europe and the UK from week 2 through around week 12 from Cape Town has now evolved into a weekly service. Furthermore, the industry has announced the introduction of a second vessel per week from week 3 through week 6 to accommodate the surging demand for fruit shipments.
Charles Gantz, the Managing Director of Anlin Shipping, the South African agent for Seatrade and Cool Carriers, expressed his enthusiasm for the current state of affairs. “In November and December, we had two vessels for the pre-Christmas fruit, and thereafter we had planned to offer a biweekly specialized reefer vessel (SRV) service to Europe and the UK, from week 2 to around week 12 from Cape Town. That biweekly service became a weekly service, and already as from week 3, we are introducing a second vessel per week up until week 6 to assist the industry to ship the maximum available cargo,” commented Gantz.
Apart from the regular European and UK routes, there are also biweekly sailings to St. Petersburg, Russia, operating independently until the citrus season arrives. During the citrus season, vessels are occasionally loaded with cargo bound for both Rotterdam and St. Petersburg, depending on available volumes.
One noteworthy development is the constant loading of vessels from Cape Town to Dover and Rotterdam, where market conditions have created a unique opportunity. Due to constraints in the Red Sea and Panama Canal, South Africa’s competitors have been held back, leaving the market empty for Cape Town exporters.
Anlin Shipping’s significant contribution to these accomplishments can be attributed, in part, to their dedicated quay at FPT, a privately-run terminal in the port of Cape Town, exclusively designated for European and Russian trade. Gantz expressed his gratitude for this invaluable resource, saying, “For that, we as an industry must be extremely grateful. During the citrus season we’re equally busy from Cape Town, but the last time we were this busy with grapes and stone fruit was 17 years ago, in 2007.”
Five years ago, conventional shipments of deciduous fruit from Cape Town had dwindled to almost zero. Today, the industry effortlessly handles 9,500 pallets of fruit each week, accounting for an impressive 35% to 45% of fruit shipped from Cape Town.
Furthermore, Gantz pointed out that there is now minimal price difference between SRV (breakbulk) and container shipping. He emphasized that this price parity becomes evident when taking into account hidden costs arising from inefficiencies within the cost chain and logistics. In light of these developments, the Cape Town fruit export industry appears poised for a prosperous future, and stakeholders are optimistic about the continued growth of this essential sector.