Sapo invests R57m in straddles for PE

ED RICHARDSON SA Port Operations has invested R57million in straddle carriers to accommodate the escalating activity at the container terminal in the Port Elizabeth port. Nine of the eleven straddle carrier parts from Finland have already arrived while the remaining two should be delivered on February 11, 2006. These should be commissioned by the end of March. In 2005 the container terminal handled a record of 34 921 TEUS. But the container terminal performance has already been showing improved productivity levels. Sapo reports that the average containers handled in an hour improved from 16 to 22. This is the highest performance level to date. The straddle carriers should also improve overall efficiency. In addition to enabling a world class maintenance programme, it will also boost staff morale at the port as it is a sign of Sapo’s commitment to the growing economy, a spokesman said.