Transnet has announced the construction of a new inland terminal at an estimated cost of R2.5 billion and said to be fully operational in three to four years’ time.
The Tambo Springs Intermodal Terminal is described as a “next generation logistics gateway” and will be built on 607 hectares.
Once completed, hopefully by no later than 2023, it is “expected to ease road traffic by diverting road cargo to rail networks linked to the country’s sea ports. Container movement to and from Gauteng is expected to grow to four million TEUs per annum by 2021, from three million currently. The new terminal will ease strain on the existing inland container terminal of City Deep”, a Transnet statement said.
A total of 191 000 permanent and temporary jobs will be created during the construction phase.
Apart from the 81 000 positions that will be created during construction of the terminal, an additional 110 000 posts will be created to steer the terminal once it is up and running.
The terminal will consist of two intermodal platforms sharing six transtainer cranes operated on Burbak rails.
Projected throughput is 189 600 TEUs.
Significantly, the project heralds a major move towards public-private participation in that it will be stewarded through a joint venture (JV) made up of Transnet and Southern Palace,.
The latter is made up of a lead concessionaire supported by a technical and marketing partner, respectively Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane and a company called Makoya.
Concom, Aecor and Italferr are part of the JV, led by Southern Palace.
