Reusable bags provide new SA solution for bulk transport

A new concept in
the movement
of dry bulk
cargo
in South Africa
is making
inroads in the
local market.
Seventeen
years since its
launch in CIS
countries, the
Russiandeveloped
Flexible Bulk
Container (FBC) is being
marketed for the first time
in southern Africa – and
according to FBC Logistics
co-CEO Alexander
Schamber, the response
has been exceptional.
It’s reusable, moisture
resistant and has a safe
working load of 14 tons.
Manufactured out of
polyester, polypropylene,
polyethylene and
rubber fabrics,
FBC is suitable
for chemical,
industrial
and
agricultural products. It also
meets the requirements of
the Model Regulations of the
UN Recommendations on
the Transport of Dangerous
Goods and the International
Maritime Dangerous Goods
Code (IMDG Code).
There are three types of
bags on offer – 13cbm and
6.5cbm for industrial goods
and chemicals and a food
grade type of 13cbm.
“120 empty and folded
units can fit into a 20-foot
container,” said Anton
Romanov, business
development executive for
South Africa. “This saves
significant repositioning
costs. In certain cases, FBC
can eliminate the necessity
of warehouses or throughput
facilities by storing them in
an uncovered space,” said
Romanov.
“It also makes it possible
to switch from specialised
to more economical means
of transportation – like flat
wagons and flatbed truck
trailers – as well as eliminate
empty backhauls.”
While the Johannesburg
office opened in May,
the company began its
African safari in Namibia
in December 2015 with a
trial with Swakop Uranium
for sulphur transport. It
is currently running a
three-month trial project
with Dundee Precious
Metals Tsumeb (DPMT)
for the movement of copper
concentrate.
The bags are available on
a rental basis. “We are a
service company,” said Schamber.
“Our technology is an integral part
of the service we offer – and since
FBC is reusable, it also has to be
maintained. After every discharge,
it comes back to our maintenance
facility and is then returned to the
client for the next filling.”
The rental fee is per metric
ton and includes maintenance,
supervision of ongoing operations
and technical support.
“While we’re kicking off the
project we also train clients’ staff
in FBC handling. Essentially
it’s up to the client what level of
service they require. For some
clients we cover the entire process,
from filling the containers to
organising the transport, loading
and unloading as well as final
discharge.”
In general, when it comes to
cost, pricing is based on value
created, according to Schamber.
“For some clients we add cost, but
solve significant problems. They
therefore choose to move on with
us. It’s important to note that
FBC was developed to reduce
infrastructural limitations
in Russia and today we see
parallels in Africa. Hence, we
believe it will have the same
impact here.”
CAPTION 1
Anton Romanov... business development executive for
South Africa.
CAPTION 2
Alexander Schamber... co-CEO of
FBC logistics.
CAPTION 3
The reusable, moisture-resistant Flexible Bulk Container with
a safe working load of 14 tons.