I refer to the article headlined ‘RB container terminal action lands TNPA in the dock’ (FTW March 20, 2015) which reported on the hearing regarding our complaint against the Transnet National Ports Authority. The article in my view maintains the high standard of reporting FTW has become known for but unfortunately contains one mistake. It stated that Maersk Line was supporting our case at the Regulator whilst the opposite is true. We were instructed during early 2010 by APM Terminals, sister company of Maersk Line, that neither APM Terminals nor Maersk line would support us in a case against Transnet at the Regulator. Consequently, we have filed papers at the hearing providing evidence in support of our view that Transnet used strong-arm tactics to ensure that the two mentioned entities would withdraw their support for our initiative with the Regulator. Therefore we categorically stated that we were not supported in the case at the Regulator by APMT or Maersk Line. Jan D C Scheepers, CEO, Siyakhuphuka Investment Holdings. Maersk Line confirmed to FTW that it currently had no interest in the development of the port of Richards Bay and was not involved in Siyakhapuka Investment Holdings’ intention to establish a fully functional container terminal at the port. “Despite any interest that Maersk Line may have shown in the port in the past, the company is currently not involved in the project in any capacity,” a spokesman said.
