RB on its way to 91bn-ton capacity

Transnet National Ports Authority has not ruled out the possibility of creating an additional port once the current facility at Richards Bay has been expanded to handle 91 m tons. That’s according to executive strategy and transformation Nico Walters who outlined expansion plans to stakeholders in Johannesburg recently. “Richards Bay is looking at creating a ship repair facility that can handle capesize vessels,” he said. “We are also looking at rationalising the dry bulk and multi-purpose terminals in the port and expanding in terms of handling coal. “That will take volumes up to 91m tons. We are also looking at creating an additional facility that will be focused on junior miners in the port – and there is the possibility that once we get to 91 m tons we will have to consider a new port because there are significant reserves that can be exported from the country,” he said. CAPTION Nico Walters ... creating RB ship repair facility.