EMPLOYEE CLASSROOM TRAINING FOR PIER 1 CONTAINER TERMINAL PAYS OFF…

Apr 23, 2007
Author: Lunga Ngcobo

DURBAN, 23 April 2007 - Pier 1 Container Terminal employees have gone back to the classroom in preparation for its reopening as a high performance terminal which will feature Navis, a new computer system and Rubber-Tyred-Gantry (RTG) operations.

South African Port Operation’s (SAPO) Pier 1 terminal temporarily closed in December last year to accelerate the R2-billion development plan to create additional capacity, ensure readiness before the peak period and ultimately handle 720,000 TEUs by the end of 2007.

The acceleration plan is in line with SAPO’s strategic objective of creating capacity before demand. This will be achieved by capacity migration which includes enhancing infrastructure, superstructure, recruitment and training.

When operations resume at the end of the first phase in May 2007, Pier 1 will start up with one berth, 2 ship-to-shore (STS) gantry cranes and 6 RTG cranes.

This is the first time SAPO is utilising the RTG operations and the equipment is the first of its kind in SA, with ergonomic features to enhance comfort and productivity.

The new equipment has already been commissioned and has been “tested” by the respective operators.

Trained by a team of Sri Lankan experts, the team of 42 RTG operators and 15 STS operators has undergone extensive academic classroom and practical training on the new equipment.

Specially constructed training grounds and situations were simulated at Pier 1 terminal to ensure that the operators received the best possible hands-on experience under the watchful eye of the Sri Lankan experts.

In addition, training has been completed with more than 20 planners who have been exposed to Navis, the new IT system. Navis is a world leader in logistics and operations and is expected to enhance flexibility for RTGs and promote automation and integration as well as promote customer centricity due to its easy access and paperless operations.

Employees are also receiving training at the recently constructed Y-site stacking area on using the Reach Stackers and Empty Container Haulers.

Another development that will add to the terminal’s increased efficiency is the establishment of a new rail terminal which is currently under construction. The rail terminal will promote seamless operations between sea and rail transport.