CT port woos Gauteng market as rail service efficiency improves

More cargo owners should consider using rail when moving goods between Gauteng and Cape Town. This is the message from Cape Town port manager, Sipho Nzuza, and his team who say that upgrades to the container terminal have not only increased capacity but also efficiency with the introduction of new equipment. While the Gauteng market often looks at Durban as its port of entry or exit, Cape Town is just as viable, said Cape Town port engineer, Magenthran Ruthenavelu. “Rail into Gauteng is working extremely well. In fact, most days they are ahead of schedule and anyone wanting their boxes a few days earlier should be considering the rail option.” He told FTW that the biggest challenge, however, was that of supply and demand. “The infrastructure is there, but the rolling stock is aligned to volume. Our colleagues at Transnet Freight Rail (TFR) have committed themselves, saying that if a larger demand exists they will make sure more rolling stock is made available on this Cape Town to Johannesburg line.” Ruthenavelu said it was part of the port’s marketing strategy for the future to position itself as an option for the Gauteng market. “We have the capability to serve the market. We are actively pursuing this avenue, making sure cargo owners realise that rail from our port into the hinterland is not only an option, but a viable one at that.” He said if more cargo owners came to the party, capacity would be created immediately by TFR. “Rail is an option that is working very well moving freight between the Western Cape and Gauteng.” CAPTION Magenthran Ruthenavelu ... viable option.