Concern over TPT decision to re-route abnormal cargo

The decision by Transnet
Port Terminals (TPT) to
re-route all abnormal cargo
via Maydon Wharf in Durban
will have dire consequences for
operators that have seemingly not
been taken into consideration in
the decision-making process.
According to Carl Webb of
Project Logistics Management
(PLM), a company that is
involved in a number of projectrelated
import shipments through
both Durban and Richards
Bay harbours, there are major
limitations at Maydon Wharf and
Durban to handle abnormal cargo,
while Richards Bay was built to
handle super-loads.
TPT has said in the event
of abnormal loads having no
alternative but to land in Richards
Bay due to limitations on other
ports, Richards Bay will consider
the request, provided they are
given 20 days’ notice.
“The reasoning behind the
decision seems to be that
abnormal cargo is dangerous, and
Maydon Wharf is operating at
10% capacity, while Richards Bay
is operating at 110% capacity,”
says Webb. “The reasons behind
Maydon Wharf operating at 10%
capacity have obviously not been
considered. A large number of
project cargo loads are in excess
of the restrictions in Durban/
Maydon Wharf.”
Webb says the petro-chemical,
power and construction industries
in the country are reliant on
Richards Bay as the port of entry
for super-load and abnormal
cargo.
“The arbitrary decision by
the terminal to no longer accept
such cargo is ludicrous and
will have a serious effect on
current and future projects in the
country. There was obviously no
consultation with the industry
regarding the change. It seems
that bulk cargo is preferred to
breakbulk cargo in Richards
Bay, as it is more lucrative,
even though TPT is a common
user facility with a monopoly in
South Africa.”
In the meantime Durban has
banned private vehicles from
entering the MPT terminal.
Personnel is required to park at
designated areas outside of the
terminal, and utilise the shuttle
bus system within the terminal.
The decision was made following
an accident with fatality in
the terminal, involving a TPT
employee in a private vehicle,
once again without consultation
with the industry, says Webb.
“We have raised the issues
with TPT which did respond to
some of the issues raised, but
they stated categorically that the
shuttle bus system decision had
been made, and would not be
revoked under any circumstances.
They stated that they did not have
to consult with anyone before
making a decision.”