Studies already underway to extend terminal

From Page 1 THE NEW 380m long double carriageway overhead bridge forms the final stage of a R100 million extension to SA Port Operations’ Durban Car Terminal, which was erected by Protekon and financed by the National Ports Authority. The extension has effectively doubled the terminal parking capacity to 7 000 motor units, but FTW was told that studies were already underway to extend the terminal with a similar building on the east side of the park in response to the unremitting growth of recent years. During 2004 the Durban Car Terminal is expected to handle 160000 units, up from 116000 in 2002. “Until now vehicles have had to travel a longer route and cross busy railway lines, which affects operational efficiencies,” said Bev Masson, Sapo business unit manager for the car terminal. “Although we are a 24-hour operation, there are some makes of vehicles which we could not load in the dark because of poor lighting and consequent risk. Now with the new bridge, well lit and fully covered by surveillance, we have permission from these manufacturers to move their vehicles at night.” Masson said the bridge would improve turnaround time by a factor as high as 60%, which would impact positively on vessel berth occupation times while improving terminal capacity management.