Growing bulk cargo operations is a key strategy for Transnet Port Terminals (TPT) according to its chief executive Nozipho Sithole.
Speaking to FTW, Sithole said TPT had proved its ability to successfully operate terminals handling bulk cargoes such as iron ore, manganese, coal and chrome.
“Considering the growing appetite for raw materials around the world there is major opportunity for TPT in these bulk commodities and we are actively looking at growing our footprint in the handling of these cargoes.”
Part of this strategy, said Sithole, was increasing its terminals around the country. “We see real opportunity in terminal operations not just at the sea ports where we are responsible for most of the container terminals but also inland where bulk commodities are mined.”
She said TPT in July this year had taken over the running of an inland manganese terminal in Lohatla in the Northern Cape and it was already doing very well. “This new business brings big opportunities for TPT.
“Currently we are moving 4000 tons of manganese per week from the terminal to the manganese terminal at the Port of Port Elizabeth. Seven trains are running per week at the moment between the terminal and the port. This will be ramped up to eight trains in the future.”
The Lohatla Inland Terminal, situated about 100km from South Africa’s manganese belt in the Hotazel area, has a capacity to handle a total of 1.8 million tons of manganese per year. It is said that at full capacity this terminal could ramp up to handling 2 million tonnes per year.
According to Sithole the move to operating this terminal was one that strategically positioned the terminal operator for the future while it speaks directly to its goal of operating cargo aggregation and consolidation for effective rail transfer, not only in coastal ports but also in inland terminals.
Sithole said TPT also successfully operated two other inland terminals. These include the Pendoring multipurpose terminal in Brits in North West and the Newcon Terminal in Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal.
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The Lohatla Inland Terminal has a capacity to handle a total of 1.8 million tons of manganese per year. – Nozipho Sithole
