Efficiencies continue to improve
through the port of Ngqura, with
Transnet Port Terminals (TPT) setting
a new standard for container handling
volumes during the month of August.
“The higher transhipment volumes
are a result of the transhipment hub
strategy, which is driven, supported
and sustained by our key stakeholders
and customers,” says TPT Eastern
Cape general manager Siya
Mhlaluka.
Nearly half of the container traffic
handled by Ngqura in August was for
transhipment. During the month, the
terminal handled 63 857 TEUs, of
which 18 725 was imports,
16 444 exports and 28 688
transhipment cargo destined for
other regional ports.
This was the highest volume
handled in one month through the
Ngqura Container terminal, following
another record in June 2012 where the
terminal handled 47 614 TEUs.
During August 2012 shifts working
at the terminal consistently achieved
29 moves per Gross Crane Hour
(GCH).
The growth has been spurred by an
increase in market demand and the
reefer cargo season.
The terminal handled 45 488 TEUs
in August last year, which reflects an
improvement in volumes of 28.8%.
Overall year-on-year volumes to
the month of August have risen nearly
20%, from 408 314 to 507 283 TEUs.
Mhlaluka said this was an
exceptional achievement in the
face of seasonal weather challenges
experienced during August. These
include wind and surges in the
harbour.
“The GCH record performance
has been made possible by teamwork
and improvements in vessel and yard
planning. These volumes also have
significant economic benefit because
faster and more efficient container
handling has ripple effects for the rest
of the supply chain.”
Setting records is proving to be
a boost for the terminal team. “Our
morale has been boosted by this
outstanding record,” said ship-toshore
operator, Caroline Ndevulana.
She added there was good
cooperation from the various internal
departments, such as the planning
teams, who were willing to implement
operational changes, and the
stevedores, who worked to minimise
delays to vessels.
CAPTION
Siya Mhlaluka … ‘transhipment hub
strategy paying off.’
