Port upgrades translate into quicker vessel turnaround

Transnet Port Terminals’ decision to invest in equipment upgrades is not just a major improvement for the ports of Durban and Richards Bay, but also a big boost for companies that operate at the Transnet container terminals. Bidfreight Port Operations (BPO), which has invested in bigger capacity bulk handling equipment such as grabs and hoppers, has seen an increase in productivity and quicker turnaround of vessels. Tarryn Lange, regional manager KZN Stevedores for BPO, says the company has always been committed to upgrading equipment and gear, and initiatives to improve productivity are always welcomed, she said. “We believe that the focus on these activities has helped us to secure new business contracts and retain existing business. We are also very fortunate to be able to offer holistic terminal activities to customers in Durban that include leasehold berths, stevedoring, transport and warehouse options. “In Richards Bay we have a warehouse facility and are able to some extent to offer a similar service in Durban, with the exception of a leasehold berth. These holistic logistics solutions provide opportunities for us to grow further.” With an extremely positive outlook for Durban and Richards Bay, Lange says there are definite signs of increased volume through these ports. “We continue to invest in learnership programmes and the development of skills in order to create a sustainable company going forward,” says Lange. “We have the capacity to further grow our business and we will be working on these opportunities.” One of the trends in recent months has been an increase in steel exports, she added. “We have also worked very hard to secure new bulk customers and this has added, to our business growth this past year.”