The Port Elizabeth Car Terminal (PECT) has boosted its output by implementing a dual ramp operation to enhance its vessel turnaround performance.
PECT said in a statement on Tuesday that it had conducted a successful trial with Hoëgh Autoliners, which led to the terminal endorsing applying the dual ramp operation on all calling vessels.
The terminal, which previously used one ramp for loading and unloading vehicles that are fully built, now uses both the side and main ramps. This has resulted in a 14% increase in units handled per hour (UPH), exceeding the terminal’s stretch target of 200 UPH.
PECT Manager, Chuma Butshingi said the benchmarking exercise that the terminal’s team went to in Thailand last year had exposed them to a better way of managing the operation.
“Every day we are working at enhancing our performance and improving productivity. The results are pleasing,” Butshingi said.
The terminal had planned to load 2 700 VW Polo exports and ended up loading an additional 51, bringing the total to 2 751.
“The collaborative spirit from the shipping line and the South African Cargo Service, together with our team of employees has been exceptional.”
The PECT handles an average of 150 000 fully built units annually, with Europe as its major trading market.
