Transnet harbours – apart from East London – have been hit by mass stay-aways as a strike intensifies.

Some 28 vessels were in limbo outside of Transnet terminals or waiting to be given a dock on Monday.

The Richards Bay terminal had manning levels (the number of people required for work) of 8% with 17 vessels outside and 13 vessels on the berth, the transport utility said in a note to port customers, which News24 Business has seen. While Cape Town’s multi-purpose terminal had 13% manning levels, there were no vessels outside on Monday and five fishing vessels were berthing.

The Durban multi-purpose terminal had 12.5% manning levels with two vessels outside and two vessels berthing on Monday. Durban’s agri-terminal had 10% manning levels and one vessel berthing.

Saldanha’s iron ore terminal had 10% manning levels with three vessels outside and two vessels berthing while the Saldanha multi-purpose terminal had 13% manning levels with two vessels berthing.

However, the East London multi-purpose terminal had 100% manning levels with no vessels waiting and no vessels berthing.

In the note, Transnet general manager for commercial and planning Michelle Van Buren Schele said due to the ongoing strike at its operations, the terminals would activate business continuity plans to soften the blow of decreased manning levels.

“The situation regarding the industrial action remains unchanged but most of the Transnet Port Terminals are experiencing a decline in the manning levels. The bulk and break-bulk terminals are activating business continuity plans to ensure operations are minimally impacted by the illegal strike action,” said Van Buren Schele.