Sapo welcomes new Mercedes contract

LEONARD NEILL SOUTH AFRICAN Port Operations has welcomed Daimler-Chrysler’s recent announcement that it is to build the new C-Class Mercedes Benz in East London. While volume details of the new model are not known, Sapo remains committed to DCSA’s initiative to continue with its export drive and has commenced with scenario planning to assess possible impacts on existing infrastructure, equipment and manpower at the terminal, says Piet Klinkardt, business unit manager for East London terminals. The effect of increased container volumes and the impact of dwell times on existing port infrastructure has been modelled and shared with DCSA, says Klinkardt. “Besides the automotive related cargo, the Combi terminal is seeing some growth in non-automotive cargo with the export and import of various products having recorded growth in the last quarter,” he said. The results of the modelling exercise suggested that if container volumes increased significantly then variable factors such as container dwell times would need to be carefully managed. “Should the car terminal see additional volumes, then the variable factors would need to be similarly managed,” he said. Some of Sapo’s strategies at the car terminal could include the possibility of revising the current process of pre-assembling units on the quayside prior to shipment. The current method of working allows for quick turnaround times to be achieved for vessels loading motor measured against the success currently being achieved, Klinkardt explained. With quick ship turnaround times and the safety of employees and vehicles a priority, the terminal has retained its five star rating with NOSA. The grain elevator has also been making headlines in the industry, having increased productivity by almost 100%. This was made possible when Sapo’s partner took the decision to increase the size of the grabs used in the discharge operation. “This increase in productivity not only improves the turnaround time of vessels, but also sparked growing interest by commodity traders in using the facility for imported cargo. “The initial role of the grain elevator, which was to export bulk grain, has changed. We are seeing more imports than exports,” said Klinkardt.