‘Commit the cargo and we will invest’

Transworld Cargo, which was involved in building the first dedicated warehouses in Walvis Bay for bulk chemicals used as explosives by the mining industry, will bulk up its investment if there is commitment from importers, according to logistics operations manager Martin Gillmann. The three specialised warehouses can hold 5 000 tons of chemicals such as ammonium nitrate, which is stored and despatched to order for hinterland mines. Users stand to benefit from efficiencies of scale if they are able to bring in larger quantities at a time, but for that more storage space is needed outside of the port.
Transworld, which took years to obtain the necessary clearances to build and operate what are
classified as dangerous goods storage facilities, is best positioned to provide the additional
warehouse space that is needed, he says. The Transworld road freight division, which is carrying increasing volumes of copper down from the mines, is able to move bagged chemicals on the return leg. In addition to the hazardous facility Transworld has a bonded warehouse in Walvis Bay which is used for storing imports of chemicals and mining equipment, and for the export of copper. “We are continuing to win new business in these difficult economic times because we are flexible, and can adapt to meet the needs of clients through a total logistics service,” says Gillmann.