RB's R600m upgrades take shape

DEVELOPMENT AT the Port of Richards Bay shows no signs of letting up, despite official announcements claiming that South Africa is now in a state of recession. Portnet will spend over R600 million in the port this year alone.
One of the major construction works now approaching completion is a new berth at the Richards Bay Coal Terminal (RBCT). The 168 metre long extension of berth 304 will enable RBCT to increase export capacity by 3 million tons a year (RBCT already handles in excess of 60 mt a year).
However, the latest thinking at the port is that the new South Dunes Coal Terminal (SDCT) should use this berth as well, instead of berth 207 at the opposite end. The target figure for SDCT has been set at 12 mt a year for export steam and sized coal, within the capability of the new berth.
In order to provide this extension Portnet constructed new concrete caissons on the other side of the harbour, for a total cost of R62 million.
Work on the new finger jetty between berths 705 and 706 is on target and about 30% of the work is now complete. The 260 metres long jetty will be able to accommodate two ships (there are plans to extend this by a further 250 - 300 metres when required). The jetty is expected to be in operation by June next year, at which time the Dry Bulk and Combi Terminals will share use of it.
BY TERRY HUTSON