A NEW 'pipe to pipe' concept for the movement of bulk liquids has just been launched in South Africa.
UK-based Trans Ocean Distribution, a specialist
in the movement of bulk
liquids in flexitanks, has set up a one-stop shop based in Cape Town offering clients a total logistics package.
The launch of the service coincides with the arrival in South Africa of a new range of flexitainers which, in the words of UK-based TOD vice chairman Jonathan Deverill, will revolutionise the flexitank industry in the same way that containers revolutionised the shipping industry.
TOD has been involved in the flexitainer industry in South Africa for more than 15 years, previously manufacturing its units locally and operating them through an agency. However, major strides in the development of the flexitainer, and a decision by the agent to continue manufacturing the old PU/ PVC unit locally, have motivated the change of direction.
Deverill explained: As part of our continuing efforts to constantly update and improve our equipment, our R&D department investigated the use of extruded polyethelene as opposed to PU/PVC blends, the latter not being easily recyclable. The result of the development was the launch of the new RhinoBulk which is over eight times as strong as the PU/PVC units and totally recyclable.
The RhinoBulk is already approved for carriage on American Railroads, which is one of the toughest environments. It's the first disposable flexitank to gain this approval.
The material is manufactured in the US, and TOD will import the entire unit rather than set up a part-manufacturing plant in South Africa.
Heading up the local company is director Roy Walton who was previously involved in the tobacco industry in Tanzania and Zimbabwe. Tracey Cooke, who has spent the past six years with Ignazio Messina line, brings with her the logistics know-how of the shipping industry as well as the contacts.
To achieve the 'one-stop shop' concept, TOD has tied up with recently-launched Freight City in Cape Town, which brings together under one roof, the services of a container depot, clearing and forwarding agent, courier and road transport operator.
Similar links will be negotiated in Durban and Johannesburg.
We're very encouraged by the reaction to the concept in South Africa both of our own clients and multi-nationals, says Deverill.
TOD's range includes the MultiBulk system for the movement of non hazardous bulk liquids. It promises 40% more payload than drums, and 15% more than IBCs. Wine and fruit juice are among the compatible products which will benefit from the system.
The RhinoBulk comes as a complete kit that transforms a standard 6m container into a non-hazardous bulk liquid transportation system and can be recycled.
Both have been approved by the Japanese canning authority and all the materials are made from products approved by the American FDA.
Copyright Now Media (Pty) Ltd
No article may be reproduced without the written permission of the editor
To respond to this article send your email to joyo@nowmedia.co.za
