Pier 1 Container Terminal gets ready to roll

DURBAN’S PIER 1 Container Terminal, which closed temporarily in December to enable a fast-tracked conversion of the terminal into a Rubber Tyred Gantry (RTG) operated system, is nearing completion. It's in time for the opening of phase 1 early this month (May) when one berth, two ship-to-shore (STS) cranes and six RTGs will be awaiting the first vessels. When complete by the end of 2007 the R2 billion Pier 1 project will have three berths in service fitted with six STS cranes, backed up by an all-RTG system that will have swelled the capacity of the terminal to 720 000 TEUs annually. This is the first time that RTGs have been utilised in South Africa and marks a radical departure from previous straddle carrier only practice. SAPort Operations advises that the new equipment has already been fully tested and commissioned. The team of 42 RTG operators and 15 STS operators has undergone extensive training both in the classroom and on the new equipment under the supervision of a team of Sri Lankan specialists brought to Durban to assist with the programme. In addition to the new ‘heavy’ equipment, Pier 1 is introducing a new computerised terminal operating system known as Navis, which Sapo claims is a world leader in logistics and operations. According to Sapo the paperless Navis system will enhance the flexibility of the RTGs and promote automation and integration in the terminal. Also under construction is a new rail terminal adjacent to Pier 1 which is intended to provide a seamless and efficient connection between sea and rail transport.