Examining the impact of coronavirus on marine operations at the Port of Durban.

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in unprecedented disruption to humankind, global trade, and business. Ports as gateways to international markets handle about 90 % of international trade and are essential for promoting global trade and economic expansion. An efficient port operation directly impacts a region’s economic prosperity. The Port of Durban is one of the largest and busiest commercial seaports in the southern hemisphere, handling the largest value of seagoing traffic in South Africa. The Port of Durban is paramount to South and Southern Africa’s regional economic prosperity. The port is supported by marine operations, which work in accord to service vessels that call at the port. This study examined the impact of the COVID19 pandemic on marine operations at the Port of Durban. The main objective of the study included: To examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on marine operations at the Port of Durban during the period January 2020 to December 2020. A mixed methods research approach was adopted for this study. Secondary data on marine operation’s operational performance was compiled and examined for 2019-2021. Thematic analyses of interviews with 15 TNPA marine operations employees representing management and marine operations provided findings that show a comprehensive view of the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic. This study contributes to an understanding of how marine operations at ports were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Findings and recommendations provide the TNPA marine operations with information to plan for future disruptions and identify best practices that can be implemented in other South African seaports.