South Africa looks to data integration to improve port efficiency
Exporters and logistics players explore a unified platform to speed up operations at key ports.
SOUTH AFRICA – South African exporters and logistics players are considering the use of an integrated logistics data platform to help solve long-running delays at the country’s ports.
During a recent workshop organised by the Fresh Produce Exporters’ Forum (FPEF), participants agreed that combining existing systems into a single data hub could improve coordination among port stakeholders and reduce inefficiencies.
The session, described in an FPEF circular, drew on the experiences of established platforms such as Portbase in the Netherlands and the Networked Trade Platform in Singapore.
“The common understanding on the vision of such an integrated logistics platform is to establish a highly optimised and efficient logistics chain by achieving seamless collaboration and unified reporting across all logistics data sources,” the FPEF noted.
The platform would pull together information from several local sources already tracking different aspects of the logistics chain.
These include the digital planning tool developed by Crickmay, fresh produce stock monitoring data from Agri-Hub, an optimisation model from the South African Table Grape Industry, container inspection records from the Perishable Products Export Control Board, and Transnet’s internal port productivity portal.
FPEF says bringing these together into one system would allow for real-time updates, better planning, and clearer communication among exporters, port authorities, and logistics service providers.
“Invited attendees shared ideas on integrating and consolidating logistics information on a single platform, assigning user access rights for specific logistics stakeholders, to optimise the logistics chain. Replicating logistics processes in a digital environment would inevitably result in better planning and resource allocation across port users and other logistics stakeholders,” the FPEF said.
Next steps and new collaborations
FPEF also confirmed that the first key step will be to formalise a working relationship with Transnet National Ports Authority and Transnet Port Terminals.
These partnerships will provide the technical input and coordination needed to move the idea forward. A memorandum of understanding is expected to guide this process.
Separately, the South African Table Grape Industry (SATI) has completed the first version of its own integrated planning tool to help growers and exporters make better use of cold storage and shipping containers.
The tool, which SATI developed in cooperation with its members, aims to match fruit volumes with available space and help reduce wastage and delays during peak season.
SATI says that wider data sharing among all industry players will be essential. “It is critical that exporters, producers, and port operators have access to the same data,” one SATI representative said during the workshop.
“That is the only way we can make quick, accurate decisions.”
The push for integration comes as South Africa’s ports continue to face criticism over long turnaround times, inconsistent service, and rising costs.
Exporters say that if implemented properly, the new platform could lead to measurable improvements in reliability and planning.
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