Project specialist recrds 33% growth in a year

The establishment of new mines across Africa is fuelling project cargo business and has seen SDV grow its operations on the continent extensively in the past few years. According to new business development manager Caroline Brownson, the company’s project business is predominantly based on mining in Africa – be it involvement in the early works, the construction, the supply of consumables or ultimately the export of the commodity to the whole supply chain. “This business has been positive for SDV South Africa,” she told FTW, “and we have seen major growth – 33% in the last year alone.” SDV, a wholly owned subsidiary of independent industrial group Bolloré, under its new name Bolloré Africa Logistics, continues to grow its investment in Africa. The company has some 220 offices and facilities in 45 countries with a staff of more than 25 000 people. At least 6000 pieces of handling and trucking equipment are utilised across the 5 million sqm of open storage and warehouse space that the company owns. “We believe this is just the beginning and expect to see further growth as there are numerous mining projects still in the pipeline. Many of these are at feasibility and bankable stages and are either waiting for contracts to be signed at governmental level or getting environmental approval or financial investment.” It is with this growth in mind that the company is continuously investing in its operations across the continent. In Richards Bay, for example, it recently acquired a leasehold area of 4000 sqm. “This laydown area will allow SDV to stage cargo in Richards Bay for either export charter vessels or vessels coming into Richards Bay destined for neighbouring countries. This will enhance our operations as Richards Bay is the preferred port for large abnormal shipments.” INSERT & CAPTION Laydown area will allow SDV to stage cargo in Richards Bay for export charter vessels. – Caroline Brownson