New freight station will speed up container turnaround

Construction has started on a new Interlogix Namibia Freight Station in Walvis Bay. Designed to modern and highly efficient handling standards, it is certain to “turn a few heads,” says group director Tim Driman, with the container pack/unpack rate estimated at less than half an hour. Heading up the new operation is Jason Fourie who has worked as a shipping manager for a large Durban-based Japanese motor manufacturer for the past seven years. There he gained experience in the fast distribution of goods, which is the company focus with its high-speed transit turnaround freight station concept “rather than just building a simple warehouse,” says Driman. Interlogix is already operating in Walvis Bay out of a rented warehouse, and is offering a full logistics service, including clearing and forwarding, according to Fourie. He is positive about prospects for the new company. “We are here to employ locals and grow the local trade. Interlogix believes it can attract new customers to the port of Walvis Bay. “Walvis Bay can offer clients a shorter lead time into/out of Zambia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Botswana and Zimbabwe than through ports like Durban. The Walvis Bay corridors are safe and efficient, and there is one less border crossing. “It is a pleasure working with the port authorities of Walvis Bay who are keen to assist clients in a sincere effort to boost trade. “The Walvis Bay customs officials are also keen and willing to help, rather than try to trip you up,” he says. According to Driman, the company bought the land for the new warehouse in Walvis Bay in 2012. Loading and unloading will be speeded up through the construction of a bank of modern dock levellers, enabling vehicles to reverse into position for direct loading/ offloading, as well as a vehicle loading/offloading ramp for mobile cargo, together with internal cargo handling facilities and outside crane access. The 3 000-sqm (under one single wide-span roof) facility has also been geared for high-value goods from the start. It will be fully covered internally and externally by CCTV, have an electronic weigh station and incorporate bar-coding using the latest cargo-tracking software. It is due to be operational in the fourth quarter of 2013. CAPTION Jason Fourie, who is heading up the Interlogix office in Walvis Bay on site where the new freight station is being built.