PORTNET WILL spend R250 million over the next three years in upgrading and increasing capacity at Richards Bay's dry bulk terminal (DBT).
The terminal currently handles upwards of 4 million tons a year in import cargoes despite severe periodic congestion. Imports are expected to reach 5 mt by 1999. Export cargo will end this year at a little under 6 mt. Berth occupancy at the DBT remained high at 80% over recent months, but has topped off at 90% earlier in the year. The terminal was recently awarded its ISO 9002 certificate.
Over at the Combi Terminal Portnet intended spending about R200 million on upgrading the terminal, according to port manager Glen Martin. A large quantity of new equipment had been received, mostly forklift trucks and ERS haulers while a number of others are on order, including two reach stackers and a number of haulers and tractors.
In reply to a question at the client conference Martin stated that there were no plans for the privatisation of the combi terminal.
