Transnet Port Terminals (TPT) is battling to complete repairs to equipment needed in Durban port’s Container Terminal Pier 2 after struggling to source spare parts.
TPT Durban Container Terminals manager Lulamile Mtetweni said on Monday that the current challenges with equipment were mainly due to the unavailability of critical spares that were needed as an interim measure while awaiting a new fleet for the terminal. However, he said TPT was now exploring leasing equipment from original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) – even if it’s second-hand equipment – to improve equipment availability.
He said TPT was approaching the market to solicit bids from OEMs for the supply of spares across all its terminals over a seven-year period in an open tender due to close this month. The tender is expected to be awarded in October, and DCT Pier 2 is one of the beneficiaries.
Bidders are expected to submit proposals stipulating demand and supply timelines for spares for the existing fleet across all the company’s 16 sea cargo terminals.
“Our supply chain management team is busy with sourcing straddle carriers and ship-to-shore cranes for leasing between now and the next 12 months when DCT Pier 2 takes delivery of its new fleet,” said Mtetweni.
He added that new acquisitions included four ship-to-shore cranes, 35 straddle carriers, and 63 haulers.
Last month Transnet concluded the selection of an equity partner, Philippines-based International Container Terminal Services Inc to develop and upgrade DCT Pier 2. The operator will be part of a 25-year joint venture with TPT, aimed at improving the logistics associated with servicing South Africa and stimulating exports and imports regionally.
