South African Port Operations on an aggressive drive to turn Richards Bay around

Aug 22, 2006
Author: SAPO

South African Port Operations' (SAPO) drive to restore the Dry Bulk Terminal at Richards Bay to peak capacity shifted into high gear following the arrival of a Liebherr Mobile Crane on Friday, 18 August 2006.


The new Liebherr mobile crane arriving Richards Bay on Friday 18 August on board the heavylift vessel Patria. Click image to enlarge. Picture courtesy SAPO

SAPO, which is one of the country’s key drivers of the government’s export-led growth strategy, has stepped up efforts to implement its strategy which includes an expanded management team, a focus on supply chain management and customer service.

This together with implementation of the capital expenditure plan will improve efficiencies and enable SAPO, a division of Transnet to compete globally. SAPO is expected to spend R11 billion over the next five years to upgrade its operations.

Hamilton Nxumalo, SAPO’s GM: Equipment, Engineering and Asset Management said the Richards Bay DBT was build around 1976 and was designed as a 14m ton export and import facility.

“Efficiency levels currently are about 60 percent of this target which is below world standards compared to similar terminals of the same size. SAPO’s priority for this terminal therefore is to restore the terminal to its former operational capacity.

“The current refurbishment of plant and equipment will restore the terminal to the original design capacity and to this end an approximate R800m has been set aside for this work.”

Nxumalo said the port was previously dubbed the ‘Singapore of South Africa’ based on its thriving performance and productivity rates and SAPO is determined that it would live up to its nickname.

He said the new Liebherr crane will ensure continuous productivity on the quay while an aggressive programme is driven to repair and refurbish several ship loaders and unloaders.

The estimated duration of the refurbishment programme is expected to be 24 months.

“The next development phase will increase the capacity from the 14m tons per annum (tpa) to 28m tpa in conjunction with the reconfiguration of various berths to ensure optimal productivity at the port of Richards Bay.”

He said present activities on phase 1 include the refurbishment and rebuild of conveyors, repair and refurbishment of Calliard 6 and Nelcon cranes all with short durations and fast track programmes.

Further equipment that has arrived for neo bulk operations include

First 2 dumpers (out of 5) which arrived on 15 August 2006

First 2 (out of 5) new pay loaders

5 (out of the 10) new haulers

14m trailers

Separation blocks - delivery 25 per week starting 18 August (200 on order)