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Transnet says Phase 2 of the Port of Ngqura container terminal will be completed in September.
According to Transnet’s Integrated Report for 2012, dredging at the third largest port in South Africa is scheduled for completion in September which will increase its capacity to 800 000 20-foot equivalent units (TEUs).
A total of R257 million was ploughed into the container terminal and rail component in the last financial year.
Based on volume demand projections, Transnet has commenced with Phase 2A of the project to expand capacity from 800 000 TEUs to 1.5 million TEUs.
Phase 2B will see volumes expanded to two million TEUs.
The report says that this expansion involves the acquisition of container handling equipment at a cost of R1 billion which supports Transnet’s strategy of creating capacity ahead of demand.
Nationally, Transnet aims to increase maritime container capacity at South Africa’s ports to 9.4 million TEUs by 2019.
The report states that the port handled 507 000 TEUs during the course of the year, adding that it was being positioned as a transhipment hub and gateway for container traffic into Southern Africa.
Looking ahead, the report says that investments include the development of the car terminal at Port Elizabeth harbour and the construction of quays and provision of services along the Coega River.
In addition, the breakwater at East London Harbour will be extended and the entrance channel to the port deepened.
Spending of R6.6 billion is expected over the next seven years.
The report also reveals that in addition to the construction of the manganese export terminal at Ngqura, Transnet will also complete the pre-feasibility study for a LNG terminal at the port and will also assess the feasibility of coal exports through East London Harbour for the coal mined by Elitheni at Indwe.
(Source: Metro Minute - to subscribe mail metminutes@iafrica.com)
