Date: Monday, August 18, 2003

Re: SOUTH AFRICA PORT SITUATION - 18TH AUGUST 2003

Dear NASA Member:

Cape Town - The port was closed at 1300. The wind is blowing at gale force (i.e. in excess of 100kms). The swells are in the region of 5 - 7 meters. The forecast is that the weather is going to deteriorate. There are currently four ships lying outside with another one due to arrive. Port control can give us no indication as to when the port will be re-opened.

Durban - There were 7 vessels alongside working 11 cranes, two of which are expected to sail today. There are currently 7 vessels awaiting berths. The average delay expected over the next 7 days is 47 hours, with the worst delay being 119 hours, covering 41 arrivals. The port handled 3077 containers on August 18th with a productivity of 17.7 moves per hour. We will send out a further port update covering this once a better assessment can be made of both port situations.

If you require further information please contact this office immediately.

Best regards,
The North American Shippers Association

Gregory N. Taylor
Manager