The Saldanha Iron Ore Terminal has started a 16-day annual maintenance shutdown with repairs and upgrades to cargo handling equipment scheduled from October 6-21, according to Transnet Port Terminals (TPT).
The programme includes component replacements, civil works, repairs to two rail tipplers and maintenance of ship loaders and the stacker reclaimer bucket wheel structure.
TPT says customers and other key stakeholders have been consulted about the shutdown, which allows critical work to be undertaken that cannot be accommodated during the terminal’s weekly 12-hour maintenance windows.
Commissioning of the terminal’s new third tippler is progressing with testing and optimisation nearing completion ahead of full operational readiness, Terminal Manager Warren Kramer says.
The tippler is part of the recently completed R4 billion Saldanha Infrastructure Project. According to TPT, the project introduces new cargo-handling equipment and technologies, including wet and dry dust extraction systems and enhanced emissions suppression at the rail tipplers.
The annual maintenance programme will also include the installation of a new misting system at the ship loaders to reduce dust emissions during loading.
“These improvements form part of the terminal’s ongoing commitment to enhancing air quality and maintaining compliance with environmental standards,” Kramer says.
TPT says the terminal’s extensive reliance on conveyor belt systems makes component maintenance a key focus. The planned interventions intend to improve equipment performance, reduce operational risk and strengthen long-term reliability.
Additional capital projects to further reduce emissions are planned over the next two financial years, according to the operator.
TPT says Saldanha is South Africa’s only dedicated iron ore export terminal, handling more than 50 million tonnes annually, exporting more than 1.4 billion tonnes of iron ore since starting operations in September 1976.
