‘Planning and forecasting are critical elements for success’

A developing Africa will continue to be a key target for the emerging BRIC (Brazil/Russia/India/ China) countries due to the continent’s rich mineral wealth and the insatiable demand for minerals to fuel their heavy industry. “Coupled with the current increase in exploration and the development of new mining projects in East as well as West Africa by the world majors, we will see an increase in project logistic opportunities for South African companies,” Richard Quinton, project development executive for Multimodal Logistics Solutions (Multilog), told FTW. “South Africans have in the past been inwardly focused due to the many capital and infrastructural development projects at home, however with many of these now drawing to a close it’s all about finding the opportunity. The future action is in Africa, a treasure trove of resources and commodities and we should not allow the rest of the world to capitalise on this opportunity to our detriment. “ Although, many project forwarders have in the past been hesitant to become involved in projects in Africa where there is often no infrastructure, very little and in some cases even no specialised equipment available to lift heavy and abnormal loads, Quinton believes this is where the future lies. “While the world demand for Africa’s resources and commodities remains, we are likely to see significant growth in project logistic opportunities in the mining, oil and gas sectors for those that are prepared to venture into this market.” A strong focus on intra- African trade has ensured that Multilog can offer a highly efficient range of services in the difficult logistical environment of the African continent. For a recently completed mining project the company effectively transported 63 000 freight tons of cargo to various points within Africa from other African ports and ports around the world within a period of eight months. This included the chartering of vessels and aircraft as well as specialised land transportation for cargo from Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, Jeddah, Europe and North America. “Without doubt there are some major challenges around project cargo in Africa,” said Quinton. “If planning and forecasting are said to be the most difficult challenges to conventional supply chains, then they are doubly so for local and remote projects. The special circumstances of these projects not only require logistical support based on excellent levels of planning but also require high levels of responsiveness and flexibility from the supply chain. Quite simply, when something unexpected occurs in projects of scale, or in remote geography, delivery on time and on budget can easily be compromised.” According to Quinton response and control during a project are greatly improved by three key elements; customised solutions, detailed advance planning and dedicated, experienced on site personnel.