Bulk specialist focuses on logistics deals for the mining industry

JOY ORLEK
SPECIALISTS IN the movement and storage of bulk goods, East Coast Maritime is in the process of expanding its product offering to include in-house warehousing and specialised tally operations in Durban. The BBBEE company, which provides logistics services to a range of mining and industrial shippers, handles a varied product mix from steel, ferro alloys and granite to metallurgical coke. Jointly managed by André du Plooy, who looks after port operations, and Ash Ganasen, who is responsible for inland rail logistics, the company is particularly focused on the development and implementation of innovative logistic solutions. Ganasen heads up Johannesburg-based Barberry Logistics, a BBBEE company which has purchased the majority stake in ECM. “Barberry brings to ECM a depth of experience in all aspects of road and rail contracts and logistics and flow management,” says Ganasen, with Xstrata, Rio Tinto and Grindrod among the blue chip clients on its books. He believes that there’s a new move back to rail. “It’s under immense pressure but it still has significant pockets of competency that can be tapped into, particularly on the Gauteng – Richards Bay/Durban corridor.” ECM is currently working with a major commodity house to design a complete miner support programme, says Ganasen. “This will encompass both junior and emerging BEE miners. “It will afford junior mining companies assistance from the time they have secured a mining right till sale of the final product overseas. “The support programme includes detailed project planning, relevant commodity expertise, logistics for both inbound and outbound flows, and financial instruments for capital expenditure as well as the operating needs of the venture.”