D-day for terminal licences approaches

Transnet National Ports Authority is finalising the new licensing process for terminal operators that will see them held responsible for operational effectiveness and productivity through the signing of performance agreements. “With our terminal licences soon to be linked with performance we have to make sure we are at the top of our game,” head of strategy Moshe Motlohi told FTW in Durban last week. ”We have to be able to deliver on the targets that we agree to otherwise we face the possibility of not having our operating licences renewed.” He said at the same time it was important to deliver to customers. “We have to stay in line with demand, be able to adapt or become dinosaurs. We operate in an extremely competitive industry and we have to make sure that we are the best at what we do.” This was one of the major topics of discussion at a TPT management conference last week aimed at finding some real answers to the immediate challenges ahead while also setting down goals for the next few months, said Motlohi. “We have to look at our tactics as we head into this new environment with licensing and performance agreements and really establish how we are going to streamline our processes to improve service delivery and reach our targets.” He said it was all about TPT upping its game considerably in the future and that could see the organisation partnering with strategic role-players to improve its service delivery. “The port is part of a much bigger unit and does not function in isolation. We need to look at who can complement us and what we do in the space in which we operate.” TNPA is set to announce the new terminal licences for the ports in the next few weeks, having received a total of 91 applications. When the new licences are issued, it is expected that TNPA will take on a more comprehensive oversight role in which terminal performance, safety, health and environmental compliance as well as controlling of port services and facilities will be monitored much more closely, placing a higher responsibility on terminal operators to perform. The aim of this process, according to TNPA, is to improve the country’s port efficiency drastically. INSERT: ‘TPT could partner with strategic roleplayers to improve its service delivery.’ CAPTION: Ramping up efficiency ... terminal licences soon to be linked with performance.