Links with Durban-based empowerment group REDUCTION OF tariff barriers and the establishment of a free-trade environment between South Africa and the USA is a top governmental priority of both these countries. It was a prominent feature at the recent talks between presidents Thabo Mbeki and George Bush. US international port terminal and logistics company, CSX World Terminals (CSXWT), has, with this in mind, decided to cement its current position in South Africa by opening a permanent office in Durban. The company is no newcomer to the country, having established a joint venture with Durban-based empowerment marine operating company, Dudula Shipping, three years ago. “Although we have been successful, Dudula is still a relatively small company that needs to develop more critical mass,” says chief executive, Sithembiso Mthethwa. “The move will create a solid platform for combining Dudula’s local specialist knowledge and expertise with CSX’s global experience.” CSX World Terminals was formed when CSX Corporation divested itself of its deep-sea liner shipping interests and the container terminal operations dedicated to servicing those interests on an exclusive basis. The move resulted in Maersk acquiring a major part of the business of Sea-Land Services Inc., the company that housed the two operations. This left the CSX Group free to concentrate on the development and management of truly independent common-user facilities. Top of the Dudula/ CSXWT agenda, following the establishment of an office in Durban, is the bid for the privatisation of the Durban Container Terminal. This is expected to be followed by various other concessions, all of which are of interest to the joint venture. Management believes it has the necessary credentials to bid for both container and bulk or neo bulk concessions.
