Rail a priority to get the most out of Coega – MOL

CARGO INTO and out of the Eastern Cape must move “back to rail” to ensure that the country enjoys the maximum benefits from the new port of Ngqura, says John Lawlor, Eastern Cape branch manager for MOL South Africa. “There is good potential in Ngqura and it is a good opportunity,” he says. But, in order to control costs and reduce maintenance costs on the province’s roads, the rail services to the province should be improved. “We need both the infrastructure and competitive rates to get containers off the road and back onto rail,” says Lawlor. He sees positive signs that this is happening. “It is good to see Transnet’s focus on rail.” Costs and efficiencies are top of mind for the MOL team in the Eastern Cape, he says. “We are on a quality management drive. The focus is on reducing the cost per teu handled through greater efficiencies,” he says. For clients, the benefits are improved productivity as containers arrive and are fetched on time, and are cleared as quickly as possible. Improved efficiencies also put MOL in a stronger position to help its customers as the local economy and traffic through the ports grows. “I am very positive about the future,” says Lawlor.