A NEW landmark in the expansive waters of Richards Bay harbour opened for business recently and has been labelled a tribute to South African engineering.
The 67 metre jetty is situated between the Combi and Dry Bulk Terminals and can accommodate two ships of 65 000dwt. Two ship loaders have been installed in addition to an overhead conveyor system, which will increase the export capacity of the dry bulk terminal by a shattering 7 million tons a year.
Most of the export cargo that will be handled at the new jetty will be woodchips.
The jetty has been built in two phases, with the first phase completed in 1999. The second phase, consisting of the deck and gallery sections, was completed last month. The completion of the jetty now gives the port a total of seven general cargo and seven dry bulk berths.
Deputy port engineer Nick van Amstel described the jetty as Portnet's response to industry for increased facilities and he pointed out that the port had experienced phenomenal growth ever since its inception in April 1976. He promised there was more to come and said the opportunities presented in the port master plan meant that Richards Bay would continue facilitating international trade and contributing to the country's economy for many years to come.
In sheer volume terms the Port of Richards Bay is poised to become one of the world's leading ports. Port captain Neil Brink said that according to conservative estimates last year, Richards Bay had earned South Africa about R35 billion. He added that later this year the port would export its one billionth ton of coal through Richards Bay Coal Terminal.
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