Shipping sources have claimed that the backlog of unmoved containers at the East African Port of Mombasa has grown from a backlog of 9,000 boxes a few weeks ago, to over 15,000 containers by the middle of July.
A number of vessels have also been unable to make scheduled calls, according to media reports which said it is not yet known how soon the situation can be brought under control.
The problem stems from the implementation of a new port automation system on July 1 that has encountered hardware and software problems, creating operational delays and low productivity, particularly as workers are said to be unhappy with the new system, reports Lloyd's List. The port has been forced to revert to the old manual system.
It added that the container backlog has been made worse by a strike launched by railway workers, with shipping sources at the site saying that no containers have been moved by rail from Mombasa in over a week.
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