CT and PE to increase capacity to 130 and 36 pre-trip points respectively
ACTIVITY IN perishable exports has changed the face of the market, according to Geoff Popple, business development director of SA Container Depots (SACD).
The volume growth of
1 000 000 cubic metres of perishable export products during the period 1994 to 1998 has had a dramatic impact on the logistical infrastructure in this country, he told FTW. Container volume has increased by 31.5% year-on-year 1997/98 (according to Perishable Products Export Control Board (PPECB) figures) - and the forecast is for substantial increase in the forthcoming years.
Over the past two years major structural changes have influenced the market, Popple added. Namely the abolition of the single channel marketing system, he said and of the SA Europe Container Service (SAECS) shipping agreement with the PPECB. Many new players have entered this market and put additional strain on the logistical chain.
This, according to Popple, has seen SACD strategically positioning itself over the past few years to serve the perishable market. It now boasts national coverage of facilities. The infrastructures in the different locations are being constantly upgraded to meet the future requirements of shippers, said Popple.
In Cape Town - the predominant container perishable port - SACD offers a total service package from cleaning, pre-tripping, repairing, storing full containers, and servicing controlled atmosphere (CA) containers, to preparing specialised equipment like US Agricultural Department protocols. All services are monitored and passed by the PPECB to ensure quality products, Popple said.
Cape Town and Port Elizabeth are in the process of another upgrade to increase capacity to 130 and 36 pre-trip points respectively. Cape Town has an additional 50 full reefer container plug points.
Said Popple: Durban and Johannesburg have established facilities to service the market and have the capability to increase capacity as the demand increases.
An additional empty container park with a capacity of
2 000 TEUs (twenty foot equivalent units) has been opened in Cape Town and boasts a full range of services including a rail siding. The facility on the container terminal has been earmarked for the growth in reefer containers, and - with its strategic location - offers many advantages to shipping operators.
The use of technology will be a key component in delivering the appropriate level of service to customers, according to Popple.
In this regard, he said, SACD is on a mission to upgrade its computer environment to take advantage of new 'information' products that are on the market.
We are currently working closely with customers so that the benefits inherent in updated systems can be realised in the short-term.
