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Transnet Port Terminals (TPT) declared force majeure following an ongoing fallout from a cyber-attack last week, affecting the entire Transnet Group, South Africa’s rail, port and pipeline company.
The force majeure covers the Durban, Ngqura, Cape Town, and Port Elizabeth harbour due to the attack’s effects on 22 July 2021. Initially, the entity’s statement explained that Transnet was experiencing disruptions in some IT applications, adding that the problem was being identified.
However, by Monday, 26 July 2021, the company officially declared force majeure, informing its customers via a confidential notice. In the message, Transnet highlighted that investigators were determining the exact cause of the compromise and the extent of the breach/sabotage. It further stated that it was also implementing all available and reasonable mitigation measures to limit the impact of the security breach.
In an official statement on Tuesday, 27 July 2021, Transnet explained that significant progress was being made in restoring its IT systems.
While emphasising that most of the affected applications are already back up, it is expected that some of the applications may continue to run slowly over the next few days while monitoring continues.
Transnet further says, “At the ports, each container terminal has communicated its transition plan from manual operation to the full NAVIS-driven operation.”
In addition, the terminals are berthing vessels as planned and facilitating loading and discharge operations with the shipping lines. “We will continue to work directly with shipping lines in order to facilitate maximum import evacuation and further exports planned for future vessels,” the company explains.
Adding to this, Transnet assures controls have been developed in conjunction with the shipping lines and SARS’ Customs division to ensure safe clearance and evacuation of each container.
However, it must be noted, the force majeure implemented by Transnet Port Terminals has not been lifted yet. Transnet says it is expected to be lifted soon. According to the company’s statement, the business continuity plans have enabled Transnet Freight Ral to continue utilising manual backup operations and run trains as planned.
While it was feared the cyberattack might have put staff members’ salaries at risk, Transnet assured that the salaries of its employees had been processed on schedule. “There was never a doubt that as an organisation we will not honour our obligation to our employees.”
Transnet concluded by saying, further updates will be provided once full operations resume.
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