Equipment leased helps Richards Bay exports
New cargo handling equipment has been delivered at THE Richards Bay Multipurpose Terminal (MPT), facilitating the loading of export coal, magnetite, chrome, and pig iron onto calling Cape-sized vessels.
The port is taking interim measures to lease the 35 payloaders and 75 dumpers for a period of 12 months, after an unsuccessful bidder's legal challenge to the awarding of a new contract earlier this year.
Prior to the delivery of this equipment, the terminal had been using tools and resources provided by the client as part of joint efforts to maintain operations in the face of difficulties with 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," stated Thula Dlamini, managing executive of Richards Bay Terminals. He continued by saying that the equipment provided by the client and the hard work of the terminal staff allowed for the export of over six million tons of coal that would not have been able to leave South Africa otherwise because of rail difficulties.
Because of the cutting-edge technology in the equipment, the terminal began certifying and training its more than 200 drivers. Additionally, the port supplies its own regularly refilled diesel-hosed tanks. "Our goal is to enhance our support for our esteemed clientele, minimize vessel turnaround times, and increase volume," stated Dlamini.