Cyclone Idai has helped Transcom Sharaf in Beira to fast-track its expansion and modernisation programme. The storm damaged the roofs on a number of warehouses, and damaged others despite the measures taken to protect the facility against the excessive winds. A new 15 500sqm warehouse built alongside its existing facility in Beira had to be completely re-roofed after the cyclone removed the roof shortly after it had been completed and just prior to commissioning, according to customer liaison manager Justin Jahme. Despite the damage to the facilities and loss of communication systems, Transcom was able to export 750 containers within a week after the cyclone. This was largely due to the support of Cornelder, the port operator, which had operations back on track extremely quickly, he says. Despite the damage and loss of cargo in the two most heavily damaged warehouses, the preventative measures undertaken prior to the storm meant the majority of cargo was largely unaffected. With the installation equipment and building contractors still on site post Idai, it was possible to repair the new warehouse in time for the tobacco export season and temporarily repair most of the existing warehouses fairly quickly. Upgrades to the company’s other warehouses are expected to be completed by the new year. Work has also started on further expansion of the container yard and the building of new workshops to replace those that were completely destroyed by the winds, he says. There are also plans for additional warehouse space to meet the growing demand which is driven by a combination of factors – one of which is congestion and delays in other East Coast ports. Another is the proven efficiency of the Beira Corridor and the cost savings on inland haulage. These current developments will add around 15 000sqm of paved yard and 5 000sqm of warehousing. The development will open up a further 20 000sqm of working area in the transit terminal, initially for truck parking, but also additional warehousing and paved container terminal in the near future.
INSERT
There are plans for additional warehouse space to meet the growing demand. – Justin Jahme