Fresh Notes: Packhouse Action Group (PAG) Meeting
Held on 3 November 2022
Website and Document Feedback
Contact: Elise-Marie Steenkamp
- The PAG quick link on the Hortgro website continues to perform well.
- Top downloads (Aug–Oct):
- CA Manual Revised (31 January 2019) – 77 downloads
- Fresh Notes 182 – PAG Feedback (Nov 2020) – 76 downloads
- Container Handling Procedures – 75 downloads
- Jaco Visagie – Trends in Container Technology and Supply – 66 downloads
- Fresh Notes 186 – PAG Feedback (March 2021) – 62 downloads
- 114 page views (102 unique) for the period.
- Bounce rate: 74.19% (up 11.85%). Average page view: 3:49 minutes (site average: 2 minutes).
- High bounce rate suggests users specifically search for this page and stay on it.
Collaboration on Sustainable Cold Chain Project
Contact: Dr Frederic Isingizwe (fisingizwe@uwc.ac.za)
Aim:
- Optimize cold chain operations and improve outcomes on quality, safety, and reduction of losses.
Objectives:
- Implement a network of sensors to acquire data on environment, storage, quality, handling, logistics, and losses.
- Develop data-driven models to improve efficiency, quality assurance, safety, and identify improvements.
- Deploy on low-power electronic modules and single-board computers.
Offers:
- Opportunity to test a real-time monitoring solution (by Muddy Boots):
- Clarity on own system for improvements
- Visualization dashboards
- Access to your data
- Standalone system and guidance on integration
- Access to first product comprehensive monitoring (Muddy Boots)
Needed:
- Access to facilities for sensor placement
- Historical data for validation
- Follow-up on outcomes (time)
- Participation from now until end of 2023
- Map/summary of activities from farm to market
Logistics Chain Efficiencies
Contact: Jacques du Preez
- Cape Town Port operations are on track, but large volumes are expected soon.
- Ongoing discussions with Transnet management at strategic and operational levels.
- Financial impact of earlier delays is evident in poor prices and quality claims.
- Planning for the current season has had ups and downs, but improved service is expected from the container terminal.
- Shipping rates are decreasing but remain high; reefer container rates are decreasing slower than dry cargo.
Operational Plans from Transnet:
Equipment:
- 9th crane repositioned from Durban to Cape Town (Done)
- RTG fleet to increase to 24 (Nov 2022) – Oct goal not reached
- Hauler fleet increased to 49, with 7 more from PE (Done)
- 3 mobile cranes at Multi-Purpose Terminal (Done)
- Spare parts/contracts awarded
- Technical support awarded
- Second set of shore tensioners (Done)
Systems & Processes:
- Permanent 7 gangs / 8 cranes to be deployed as needed to recover after delays (Done)
- 2 lanes dedicated for reefers (Done)
- 200 additional plug points at CTCT (total: 3,200, Nov 2022)
- 100 plug points at Belcon
- Truck staging areas: Phase 1 at MPT (Done), Phase 2 at CTCT (Nov 2022)
Industry Collaboration:
- Flexibility in truck booking system being explored (ongoing challenge)
- Commercial operator awarded contract to operate depot at Belcon
- Night run project underway to utilize night shift at the port; industry must participate
- Stack openings: Industry must use stack dates optimally, not rush containers in last two days
Other Initiatives:
- Freight rail utilization being investigated (medium/long-term)
- Increased information sharing and coordination among stakeholders
- Transnet committed to staff working on public holidays during deciduous season; industry must use this service
- Transnet engaging shipping lines to bring back vessels to Cape Town for certain markets (Africa, East)
- Readiness of tug, pilot, and workboats being addressed
If all the above are implemented successfully, a much-improved season is expected from a logistical perspective.
Container Efficiency Testing
Contact: Bernard Henning
- PAG has discussed container performance issues, noting variation can affect fruit quality.
- Causes include container age, cooling unit, or structural damage (e.g., moisture in insulation increases tare mass and reduces insulation).
- PAG requested PPECB to conduct efficiency tests over time to categorize containers by their ability to remove heat of respiration.
Plastics Strategy
Contact: Dr Malcolm Dodd / Bryce McIntyre
- Tesco’s plastic matrix (green/amber/red categories) is being updated; revised document will be circulated.
Fire Risk Project
Contact: Koos Bouwer
- Fire risk guideline has been drafted and is under review; report will be circulated when finalized.
Market Access Feedback
Contact: Jacques du