Turnaround time at EL scores top marks for ro-ros

Automotive upgrade moves forward LEONARD NEILL THE DEMOLITION of a large unused building on the West Bank of East London’s port will mark the next stage of a major automotive import/export facility upgrade in the port. The former power station site, measuring 2.3 hectares, is situated adjacent to the current car terminal parking arcade and will make way for an extension to the open air quay staging area. The covered parking facility is able to house 2800 vehicles. At present the quayside off-and on loading area caters for 1000 vehicles. Once the building has been demolished and resurfaced it will provide open air parking for an additional 1000 vehicles. “With S-berth also available nearby, we have three berths to accommodate ro-ro vessels in a port that has recorded faster ro-ro turnaround than any others in southern Africa,” says acting port manager Willem Roux. One of the world’s top ro-ro vessel operators recently advised the East London port authorities that, based on a survey of times recorded at all ports, turnaround times had not been bettered in local waters. Roux has declined to name the operator on the grounds that any public statement of this nature should come from the operator concerned. “What is clear is that ro-ro operators are extending the lengths of their vessels to allow for greater capacity,” he said. “We were accustomed to the usual 180-200m long vessels calling at the port. Now they are growing in length to 227m and we need to ensure that there are sufficient staging areas for the additional volumes “With the extended quayside and our record of efficient and speedy service we will be up to the mark to meet the greater export drive anticipated when the new series of Mercedes come off the production line in East London next year. “We have strong commitment from shipping lines and solid support from manufacturers who accept that our port expansion plans are a stimulant for growth. “We know the need for container cranes and greater draught are a challenge. But the powerful backing we are receiving from all stakeholders in our region has played a significant part in our determination to go ahead. “These stakeholders have formed a group which is busy lobbying at all levels, right up to central government. Give us the goods we need with the service levels we already have and we will be a major player in South Africa’s economic future.” The ECDC, assisted by local and provincial government, EL IDZ, manufacturers and the shipping fraternity are all involved in the lobby group, he says. “The new ECDC chairman Professor Wiseman Nkhulu has taken personal interest in the entire project and thrown himself into it. This kind of support augurs well for the future.”