Night time operations help ease port congestion problems

Sidelifter plays its role
NIGHT TIME opening of its Durban depot when incoming container volumes are high is easing port congestion pressures on UTI Logistics, according to KwaZulu commercial manager, Iain Sinclair. “We are now able to avoid port congestion by receiving containers at night ready for destuffing by the next morning’s shift,” he told FTW. “This is a big factor when handling large shipments of containers. It means we are able to dictate our work flow, and are not reliant on transporters waiting in the day time, peak period queues at the Durban container terminal (DCT). “It also reduces the chances of demurrage costs or over-stay at the port.” Flexibility at the UTI depot has also been enhanced through investment in a Mobicon mobile container handling system. “The new system,” said Sinclair, “is robust and able to handle ramps and speed bumps and operate on pavements and in restrictive areas where other container handling equipment cannot go.” According to Clinton van den Berg, products manager of Big Lift Trucks – suppliers of the Mobicon system – it is a light-weight system with a 33-tonne lift capacity and is able to carry the whole range of ISO-specified containers. “It’s simple in design and uses an economical, four cylinder, 60-horsepower diesel engine, coupled to a hydrostatic drive system for reduced fuel costs. “The consumption is five litres an hour compared to 22 l/hr for other machines.” The Mobicon is manufactured in Australia, with Big Lift Trucks offering a technical advisory, parts and support service in SA.