Expanded refrigeration capacity and the service specialisation required to handle reefer-related cargo have been identified as a key area for growth by Dube Tradeport. In a frank conversation with FTW, the transport and logistics manager for the special economic zone (SEZ), Anathi Qabaka, said it was primarily an increase of interest in the shipping of pharmaceuticals and fruit that was driving Dube’s development strategies. Part of the reason for the SEZ’s cold storage ambitions, she added, was that KwaZulu-Natal had identified medicine and other sensitive products as an area of specialisation. “There are a lot of businesses that are looking at the market differently and, as a result, we’re seeing opportunities in the transportation of fresh produce, pharmaceuticals and related cargo such as blood.” Upgrading capacity to meet demand, Qabaka explained, included upping their game in terms of up-skilling staff. “The refrigerated market is quite a sensitive one because customers expect their service providers to be well versed in the intricacies of the market. “That’s why we’re taking our drivers through training around handling certain types of cargo in a certain way. We also want to make sure that our vehicles are certified and have been equipped with the correct machinery and equipment to handle different temperatures.” As for vehicles, Dube was in the process of expanding its fleet, she said. And although Qabaka is reluctant to share details, she confirmed that the tradeport was, at the moment, running a small fleet, but was looking at running a flexible fleet that would enable them to handle different types of cargo. “We have received a fair number of inquiries from customers who are looking for logistics solutions and we need to position the precinct in such a way that it can handle any type of cargo, be it containerised, breakbulk or specialised freight.” Focused growth, Qabaka emphasised, was also part of Dube’s 60-year master plan. And although short term data for global airfreight is depressed and trending down, recent figures by the International Air Transport Association (Iata) confirm that Africa’s skies are surprisingly busy. Confirmation of rising demand for diverse dispatch and delivery facilitation of air cargo was also seen in the recent historic arrival of a FedEx Express Boeing 777 at OR Tambo International – a first not only for the country but for the continent. Said Qabaka: “African air freight has been quite positive. It’s a reflection of where we are sitting as a trade port, having done exceptionally well from our inception in 2010. She also mentioned progressive discussions that were under way in luring airlines to King Shaka International Airport – with guaranteed benefits for Dube.
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We want to be ahead of the curve when demand starts driving volume. – Anathi Qabaka