Despite strike-related challenges early last year (2010), Transnet
Port Terminals (TPT) Richards Bay approached 2010 with solid
plans for improved efficiency across its business functions.
Guided by Transnet’s Quantum Leap strategy, which
emphasizes improved customer service, productivity, efficiency
and volume growth, TPT’s Richards Bay Terminal had to embark
on robust action to address its challenges.
These included the frequent breakdown of equipment,
snapping conveyor belts, an electrical supply problem, train
derailments, delayed refurbishment projects and environmental
management issues.
Progress is evident. More than 70% of the terminal’s 40km+
conveyor belt network is brand new.
TPT Richards Bay also appointed a substantial number of
additional engineers to beef up the terminal’s maintenance
capacity and improve the reliability of equipment.
This is over and above the recently contracted original
equipment manufacturers (OEM), which assist the technical team
while transferring skills.
The company has also adopted a strict approach by issuing
non-conformances to service providers which fail to deliver on
agreed timelines.
Plenty of focus and effort has been invested into
environmental management. The terminal recently cleared all
audit findings and will soon acknowledge its OHSAS 18001 status
from the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS).
As a company that benchmarks itself with international
entities, TPT said it remained committed to finding solutions as it
continued working towards achieving business targets set by its
shareholder.
Terminal executive Victor Mkhize said, “At the heart of this
commitment is our interest in pursuing immediate changes that
have a positive impact for all TPT Richards Bay stakeholders.”
He said this would be achieved through the following pillars:
terminal integration, terminal turnaround, operational efficiency
improvements, equipment availability and reliability, and
environmental management.
Said Mkhize said, “As the terminal strives towards meeting set
targets, we strongly believe that an opportunity still exists for us
to excite all stakeholders and also deliver on Quantum Leap
targets.”
He added that capital funds for shiploader and ship unloader
replacements have been approved with the expected arrival of
this equipment set at 2012. “This is one project that will elevate
production levels at a staggering rate,” said Mkhize.
TRANSNET PORT TERMINALSTransnet Port Terminals (TPT) is a division of Transnet Limited,
South Africa’s state-owned freight logistics and transport
company. It provides efficient and reliable cargo-handling services
at terminals situated across seven South African ports – Durban,
Richards Bay, Cape Town, Saldanha, Port Elizabeth, Ngqura and
East London. TPT customers include shipping lines, freight
forwarders and cargo owners.
Operations cover import and export operations across the
following cargo sectors: mineral bulk, agricultural bulk, ro-ro and
containers.
Since November 2009, Karl Socikwa has been at the helm of
TPT as Acting Chief Executive. The company has a staff
complement of over 5,000.