Egyptian terminals dealing with backlog

Against an unpredictable political situation, it seems that Egyptian ports and terminals are still, at present, on their feet and working to clear congestion – although this could change with little notice.


Robert Hambleton of the Suez Canal Container Terminal told Port Strategy, that despite it “having been a rocky couple of weeks” the terminal is making good progress against the backlog.


He went on to say that some delays have been “due to workers being understandably concerned about the safety and security of their families and property on leaving home to come into work”.


Certainly a lack of officials and dockworkers has delayed customs clearance and deliveries for the last two weeks, with some congestion being experienced at ports up and down the troubled area.


There had been signs of an easing of problems, but the latest escalation of civil unrest has left many concerned about what will happen next. As one commentator noted, banks and businesses were beginning to pick up again till yesterday, but there will be a significant impact on the market as the overall stability of the area once again comes into question.


Further, although Mr Hambleton played down the stories of sit-ins to protest low wages and poor conditions at businesses owned by the Suez Canal Authority, CNN reported that thousands of Egyptian workers have come out on strike across the country.


The mood, following the failure of president Mubarak to resign, can only be described as volatile. As more people join the protest, there will probably be fewer hands available at the quayside.
(Source:http://www.portstrategy.com)