Contracted logistics function provided for Iscor

NPA planning manager Victor Schultz says the port of Saldanha Bay still has 25% berthing capacity that can be filled. “It currently stands on 45% year round but with more product to be handled we could increase to around 60% before having to increase the number of quays.”
Right now the terminal is exporting just over two million tons a year comprising hot rolled steel coils, galvanised coils, heavy sand, pig iron, granite, copper and lead. On the import side is a product called pellets used in steel production and also anthracite and methalurgical coke.
“The exported volumes are based on the capacity of the present suppliers and that is about the peak in terms of what they are able to supply,” says Sapo MPT terminal manager Hannes Human.
Another new role for the MPT is a contracted logistics function for Iscor Saldanha in which steel coils are stacked in the Saldanha Steel Plant for subsequent loading and conveyance to the port.
Kearns confirms that the R930 million iron ore expansion project is still on track, designed to increase export capacity from 24 million to
32 million tons by the end of next year.
“In terms of historic origins as well as the way forward, Saldanha and Richards Bay will focus on bulk product with limited diversification. Oil and gas is an option for us, but our major growth over the next three to four years will be in iron ore which could increase 50% by 2007.”