Bulk storage needs boost ISO tank demand

M&S Logistics has ordered 1 000 new ISO tanks which can be used for bulk storage by mining companies in Africa for petroleum, lubricants and certain hazardous material, provided they do not adversely react to the stainless steel of the tanks. “The tanks are suitable for multi-modal transport and can either be left on site for long-term or temporary storage or transported via rail, truck or ship,” said M&S Logistics managing director Kreason Pillay. He told FTW the company was “very focused” on growth, particularly in east and west Africa. “We see the fact that mining companies are still buying product in drums for bulk use and storage and transport as both a challenge and an opportunity. It means there is a large untapped market to create awareness of the benefits of using ISO tanks,” Pillay said. The benefits include efficiency, economy, quality and safety over a container load of drums. “For example, receiving just two tank container loads each day eliminates the handling and storage of up to 260 drums and they have a much greater load capacity,” noted Pillay. The ISO tanks provided by M&S Logistics have a 24 000 to 25 000-litre capacity and they are durable and longlasting, with a shelf-life of up to 20 years. “Furthermore, we provide ongoing maintenance and service on the tanks, with regional technical representatives on hand to provide on-the-ground assistance. This is backed up by the global technical department,” Pillay commented. Another opportunity for growth is the fact that there is a shortage of rail wagons and road tankers that are equipped for bulk. “We provide an easy, resilient and economically friendly solution,” he said. “There are some very nice rail developments in Africa, especially East Africa, and our customers in Africa are increasingly looking at moving cargo off the roads and onto rail,” he said. African Growth M&S Logistics’ global offices have seen “phenomenal” growth in market share into Africa, particularly Zambia, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Malawi and Namibia, says company MD Kreason Pillay. “The United States office in Houston, Texas has seen a 50% market share increase over the past 12 months and is focusing its efforts on growing that even further,” he said. With Asia’s increased interest in Africa and to gain a competitive edge, M&S Logistics has opened an office in Singapore to serve the entire Far East region. “Previously we were operating through agents but we took the bold step on February 1 this year to capitalise on the growth we’ve seen from that region.” INSERT & CAPTION We see the fact that mining companies are still buying drums for bulk storage and transport as both a challenge and an opportunity. – Kreason Pillay CAPTION 1 M&S Logistics opened its own office in Singapore in February this year. CAPTION 2 The M&S Logistics ISO tanks meet the mining industry’s increased demand for bulk storage.