Partnering with customers drives more volumes through EL

PARTNERSHIPS BETWEEN the Port of East London and its customers are helping drive more business through the harbour, says port manager Jacqueline Brown. “During the past year, the port has made considerable gains in setting up strong partnerships across several important growth industries, notably the construction industry, where cement and timber cargo volumes have created a hive of activity on the East Bank of the port. “A number of cement trucks and stone crusher vehicles have also been imported offering further support to this industry. Productivity has increased substantially and the handling rate of cement increased to beyond 5 000 tons per 12 hour shift, setting a new benchmark for South African ports,” says Brown. One of the most important of the port’s relationships is the ongoing strategic partnership with Mercedes-Benz South Africa. Brown says the port “remains committed to constantly improving its service to the automotive industry, specifically by increasing its flexibility and capacity in vehicle handling, hence the expansion at the car terminal”.