Bay bulk terminal tops record

THE Richards Bay Bulk Terminal celebrated a new milestone after loading a record-breaking 1.49 million tons of product in September – a significant jump from its original target of 1.32 million tons.

Transnet Port Terminals (TPT) announced the achievement on Monday, contributing the feat to increased efficiency in Zululand’s bulk cargo business.

A total of 19 vessels, both for import and export, boasted an average Gross Loading Rate (GLR) of 905 for the month.

TPT stated some of the vessels loaded a commendable average of 1 300 tons per hour, showing a ‘steady and improved loading rate’ from their export loaders.

‘Credit is attributed to the storage section for quick turnaround of wagons at the tipplers, especially with magnetite,’ the terminal said in a statement.

‘They were the key contributors to the achievement of the bulk performance last month.’

Another advantage was that exactly 571 wagons were offloaded in just 24 hours on 20 September, equaling 24 wagons being handled per hour.

‘This kind of performance doesn’t sail on TPT’s shores every day, which is why the technical team’s dedication in maintaining the tipplers has shown off highly in this instance,’ TPT said.

Richards Bay Bulk Terminal Manager Mandla Mpungose praised teamwork for yielding the good results.

‘An improvement of availability of equipment and the contribution by the operators driving these machines has brought dynamic results,’ said Mpungose.

‘The investment in our human capital is starting to pay off as we are seeing perfection in our operational efficiencies.

‘We want to sustain our current performance and make sure that we achieve our targeted volumes.’