Saldanha invests R630m in upgrade of dry bulk terminal

MAJOR DEVELOPMENTS are currently underway at the Port of Saldanha, the largest natural port in southern Africa and the country's major facility for the export of iron ore and steel .
The port is unique in that it links to a purpose-built railroad serving a bulk handling facility which is connected to a dedicated jetty for the shipment of iron ore. In addition, it also offers breakbulk facilities. Commodities handled include steel coils, steel pallets, lead and copper concentrates, granite, zirco, pig iron and chloride slag.
Saldanha also serves as a major crude oil importation and transhipment port. Due to its depth, the port can handle vessels with a maximum of 20,5m (on tide) and up to 21,5m during ideal condition periods.
Vessel calls currently stand at approximately 400 per annum, with in excess of 30 million tons of cargo handled annually.
The port is in the process of refurbishing and expanding the dry bulk terminal, which is operated by SA Port Operations and is the only iron ore exporting terminal in the country. The upgrade, costing R630 million, aims to enhance capacity from the current 24 million tons to 38 million tons of iron ore over the next 10 years.
This development project will be undertaken in three phases. The first will involve the expansion of the stockpile area, acquisition of a third stacker reclaimer, a shiploader and refurbishment of the conveyor system. This phase is scheduled for completion in 2003. During the second phase one of the reclaimers will be replaced.
The third phase includes the acquisition of a second tippler and a shunt line. The existing stacker reclaimer will be replaced and a second sampling plant will be established. A new conveyor system to the stockpile will then
be installed.
In a separate development, land adjacent to the port will be acquired for port expansion. All available land in the port at present is fully utilised by existing operations.
Future plans include broadening the scope of commodities for the current multi-purpose terminal, which is operated by SA Port Operations, and which handles breakbulk cargoes. Here it is planned to venture into shipbuilding and repairs, bunkering and other related services.