Port upgrades translate into quicker vessel turnaround

Transnet Port Terminals’
decision to invest in equipment
upgrades is not just a major
improvement for the ports of Durban
and Richards Bay, but also a big boost
for companies that operate at the
Transnet container terminals.
Bidfreight Port Operations (BPO),
which has invested in bigger capacity
bulk handling equipment such as
grabs and hoppers, has seen an
increase in productivity and quicker
turnaround
of vessels.
Tarryn Lange, regional manager
KZN Stevedores for BPO, says the
company has always been committed
to upgrading equipment and gear, and
initiatives to improve productivity are
always welcomed, she said.
“We believe that the focus on these
activities has helped us to secure new
business contracts and retain existing
business. We are also very fortunate
to be able to offer holistic terminal
activities to customers in Durban that
include leasehold berths, stevedoring,
transport and warehouse options.
“In Richards Bay we have a
warehouse facility and are able to
some extent to offer a similar service
in Durban, with the exception of a
leasehold berth. These holistic
logistics solutions provide
opportunities for us to grow further.”
With an extremely positive outlook
for Durban and Richards Bay, Lange
says there are definite signs of
increased volume through these ports.
“We continue to invest in
learnership programmes and the
development of skills in order to
create a sustainable company going
forward,” says Lange. “We have the
capacity to further grow our business
and we will be working on these
opportunities.”
One of the trends in recent months
has been an increase in steel exports,
she added.
“We have also worked very hard to
secure new bulk customers and this
has added, to our business growth this
past year.”