KZN study focuses on seamless port-rail logistics

Richards Bay, Durban and City Deep links to be integrated Terry Hutson TAKE NOTE of the name Dube TradePort! In the same way that the name of Coega, or Ngqura has become established, so too the Dube TradePort programme in KZN took a significant step forward last week with the signing of an integrated freight rail link study (IFRL) by the KZN provincial Department of Economic Development and Tourism. The study has the support of the US Trade & Development Agency and CSX World Terminals, which will undertake the study. Representatives of Spoornet, the eThekwini Municipality (Durban) and the Department of Customs pledged their support. The focus of the IFRL study is the integration of port rail linkages in the Richards Bay, Durban port and City Deep triangle, aimed at a seamless port-rail transportation system along SA's main logistics pipeline. The Dube TradePort includes the relocation of Durban International Airport to La Mercy (King Shaka Airport) by 2006 and the development of an Industrial Development Zone and trade facility, a cyber port and cyber village plus a focus on the production of perishable and organic products for export, including seafoods centred around King Shaka. The trade port has received considerable financial backing and the airport relocation has national cabinet approval. Durban has to reinvent itself or lose out, said economic affairs minister Mike Mabuyakhulu, who stressed the urgency. "We do not have time to bicker about the small issues or be delayed by armchair critics trying to turn the programme into a game of chess." Mabuyakhulu highlighted the importance of restructuring the ports. "This process is driven by the (national) Department of Public Enterprises and we expect this to be concluded within three years. We will make a strong case for the ports of Durban and Richards Bay to play a complementary role to each other linked by road and rail feeder systems and a strong relationship with their associated IDZs. In addition we will also promote a strong relationship with the province of Gauteng and in particular with City Deep/Kaserne, which acts as a critical transportation node into our country's biggest domestic market, and beyond into the southern African region." The IFRL study is to be undertaken by CSX World Terminals, one of the leading international logistic providers and the operator of international port terminals including Hong Kong, Shanghai and facilities in Australia, Germany and South America.