The Port of Cape Town É More than enough funding committed, says Govender.
RAY SMUTS
THE TERM “world class” should mean exactly that, nothing less, and SA Port Operations is intent on ensuring its services in the port of Cape Town fall well within that definition.
That much was clear from last week’s rare - for Cape Town, that is - Sapo media briefing focusing on current, medium and long-term plans for the development of the Mother City port’s container terminal.
Nad Govender, general manager for Sapo in the ports of Cape Town and Saldanha, said Sapo was out to provide services of world class standards.
Asked, whether Sapo had committed sufficient capital expenditure to the Western ports, an upbeat Govender responded: “For this region we have more than enough funding.”
Latest acquisitions at a combined cost of R23 million and already operational are four new “3x1” Kalmar straddle carriers which will provide 50% higher stacking capacity within the terminal, while future plans call for the addition of 26 new 4-high straddle carriers.
Another new feature is a reach stacker to speed up services at quayside where ships gear is utilised, on top of which the terminal is expecting delivery next week of a third 8-high empty container stacker.
The contentious matter of late installation of 400 new points to coincide with the start of the last deciduous season has been addressed. A further 600 points will be in place in time for the next fruit season starting in December, bringing the total to around 2000.
