Port operators have to look “beyond the terminal gates” to ensure environmentally sustainable operations within a growing regional trading platform.
This is the view of Transnet Port Terminals (TPT) chief executive Karl Socikwa, who said that trade between African countries was expected to increase by 715% by 2050.
In an opinion piece for business daily, Business Report, Socikwa said port operators’ main challenge around this was to sustainably support growth in trade between African countries as this would have a “significant impact” on the environment as shipping-related emissions in ports were projected to increase by the same percentage.
“Effectively this means that we, as port operator, have to take cognisance of the various challenges that come with the predicted necessary expansions. That is if shipping companies, port authorities, freight companies and terminal operators continue with business as usual,” commented Socikwa.
According to him, terminal operators and city management need to start working more closely together to find solutions. He pointed out that South African ports had not taken this information lightly.
“Transnet will reduce emissions per ton of cargo moved through the long-term modernisation of its terminal infrastructure and operating systems,” said Socikwa.
