New equipment
The Richards Bay Multipurpose Terminal (MPT) has taken delivery of new cargo handling equipment, aiding the loading of export coal, magnetite, chrome and pig iron aboard calling Cape-sized vessels.
The terminal is leasing 75 dumpers and 35 payloaders for 12 months – a temporary measure after an unsuccessful bidder challenged the awarding of a new contract in court last year.
Before the arrival of this equipment, the terminal made use of customer-supplied equipment and resources as part of collaborative efforts to ensure continuity amid the challenges of the previously outsourced service.
“We have experienced true collaboration between ourselves and our customers over the past 15 months where we all put the economy before our challenges,” says Richards Bay Terminals managing executive Thula Dlamini.
He adds that more than six-million tonnes of coal, which would have otherwise not left South Africa owing to rail challenges, was exported as a result of the customer-supplied equipment and the dedication of employees at the terminal.
The new equipment boasts modern technology and, as a result, the terminal has already started training and certifying its over 200 drivers.
The terminal is also supplying its own diesel-hosed tanks, which are consistently replenished.
“It is our intention to improve our service to our valued customers, reduce vessel turnaround times and ramp up volumes,” Dlamini informs.
The Richards Bay Bulk Terminal forms part of a network of 16 sea-cargo and three inland terminals managed by Transnet Port Terminals nationally.