DP World’s R110m investments get moving

Along with the rebranding of the MIPS container terminal into DP World- Maputo from May 1, a R110-million investment has been committed to increasing the operational capacity, according to MD, Ricardo Schlechter. The first step has already been taken, he told FTW, with the delivery of 14 new “Kalmar” terminal tractor and trailer units – due to be commissioned this weekend. Said Schlechter: “Further action includes the total refurbishing of our two shipto- shore cranes. The first set of spares has been ordered and shipped, and work has been planned to commence early next month. “While the actual engineering work plan is still being adjusted to fit the shortest possible time criteria, we would envisage the first crane to be completed by September and the second about two months later.” Also, an additional mobile harbour crane is due to be shipped in from DP World in Dakar, and to be commissioned in Maputo by early May. A further six new reach stackers have been ordered from manufacturer Linde, which Schlechter expects to arrive in Maputo at the end of this month, and again be commissioned early May. “To improve current mobile harbour crane operations, and assist with training,” he added, “we have brought in four experienced operators from our terminal in Jebel Ali, Dubai. An intensive training plan for new operators is being implemented.” Implementation of a new “Zodiac” terminal operating system has already started, and – after intensive testing and training – it is expected to be fully commissioned by November. “We envisage a drastic improvement in our yard, gate and vessel planning sequence from this system, which will have the overall benefit of speeding up vessel and truck turn-around times,” Schlechter said. “Together with this, a strict cut-off discipline will be implemented by no later than June 1.” DP World also plans – in a joint-venture with partners – to set up an inland container depot just outside the port to handle/store empty containers and provide adequate container stuffing services. “This” said Schlechter “is aimed at becoming a full container freight station designed to provide all ancillary container services, including the packing of bulk minerals and performing container repairs. “The first phase is expected to be operational by the end of this year.”