Latest news with #TransnetPortTerminals
IOL News
16-06-2025
- IOL News
Concerns raised over safety protocols at Saldanha Bay Port following docking of vessel
Questions were raised about the recent docking of the Forest 6 cargo vessel at the Saldanha Bay Port recently. Allegations have surfaced from Transnet Port Terminals (TPT) insiders and other officials regarding the recent docking of the vessel Forest 6 at Saldanha Bay Port, which has allegedly offloaded 48 isotainers without adhering to essential safety protocols. The incident has prompted a deeper investigation into compliance with the National Occupational Health and Safety Act by both TPT and the Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA), raising concerns about the safety measures in place to protect workers and the environment at the port. According to information from some officials on the ground, who asked not to be named for fearing reprisals, the Forest 6 vessel docked at Jetty 406 and began offloading approximately 1728 tonnes of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) despite stringent objections from local safety authorities at Transnet Port Terminals (TPT). "On June 10 at 14:50, officials at TPT expressed grave concerns regarding the risks associated with the offloading process. Citing safety grounds, they rejected the vessel's offloading request, citing the unusual weight and the use of a crane that is not standard for the terminal environment." However, while this was going on, an unnamed official from "head office" intervened, overruling the local TPT safety objections and insisted that the operation continue. According to TPT in response to detailed questions, the Forest 6 docked at their terminal from June 10 until June 12, 2025 under a standing terminal operating license, allowing them to handle such cargo. They stated that all safety protocols, compliant with standard operating procedures at the terminal, were diligently followed throughout the operation. However, they refrained from divulging any third-party information or documentation, citing the stipulations of the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPI Act). Contrarily, the TNPA has asserted that no vessel has docked at Saldanha Bay without adhering to the strict tenets outlined in the National Ports Act and corresponding Port Rules and Berthing Guidelines. Ayanda Shezi, the group head of corporate affairs at Transnet maintained that the Forest 6, which was granted ISPS (International Ship and Port Facility Security) clearance by the Department of Transport on 15 May 2025, was assigned to berth 201 after a comprehensive risk assessment according to established regulatory frameworks. Furthermore, she confirmed that customs clearance was mandatory for all incoming cargo at South African ports, a process that is rigorously verified by the terminal operator. "No vessel has docked in the Port of Saldanha without following the prescripts of the National Ports Act, Port Rules, and Berthing Guidelines. TNPA is not aware of vessel/ terminal operations that are inviolation of the National Occupational Health and Safety Act or any applicable safety protocols. "The Vessel 'Forest 6' was ISPS (security) cleared on May 15, 2025 by the Department of Transport and docked by TNPA Marine Services at Berth 201 on June 10. "TNPA assigned the vessel Forest 6 to berth 201 based on a comprehensive risk assessment, in line with the National Ports Act and Port Rules. No imported cargo is allowed to land in a South African port without customs clearance, such clearance is verified by the Terminal Operator. "Lastly, TNPA is not required to notify the South African Reserve Bank regarding products in the cargo carried by vessels," she explained. Bongani Philips, the CEO and Chairman of LIU Energy, which was one of the companies responsible for bringing in and importing the Liquefied Petroleum Gas in isotaners on board vessel Forest 6 at Saldanha Bay, denied allegations of violations of safety protocols in bringing in the products. He raised urgent concerns regarding the treatment of black-owned companies in South Africa's energy sector, particularly in the importation of LPG. Phillips expressed frustration at the refusal to grant important licenses that would allow them to operate efficiently. He noted that the same cargo that faced scrutiny in South Africa was routinely imported into Namibia without issue, raising questions of selective enforcement and potential discrimination. 'LPG in ISO containers is not more dangerous than the bombs and bullets imported for military defence in this province. "I will not allow certain individuals to dictate terms to me when I have the rights to bring cargo into South Africa,' he said. DAILY NEWS
Zawya
28-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
South Africa: Govt backs citrus exports with $2.8bln Transnet guarantee
The South African citrus industry has welcomed the government's recent approval of a R51bn guarantee facility for Transnet, viewing it as a vital step to support the logistics giant's recovery and improve export capabilities ahead of the 2025 citrus season peak. The Citrus Growers' Association of Southern Africa (CGA) highlighted that the guarantee comes alongside encouraging developments in Public Sector Partnerships (PSPs), which are seen as essential to reshaping South Africa's logistics infrastructure. According to Transnet, a critical part of their recovery strategy is 'strong collaboration with customers and industry partners,' a sentiment echoed by the CGA, which said that export growth depends on effective cooperation between Transnet and private sector players. Peak citrus export season preparation As oranges begin moving to export markets, the CGA appreciates the preparational steps taken by Transnet Port Terminals (TPT), including recruiting 256 additional fixed-term staff, maintaining all refrigerated container plug points, and adding 100 new pieces of equipment. "There are challenges on the horizon, but if all goes well, Southern Africa is expected to export 171,3 million 15kg cartons of citrus, according to the latest figures," says Boitshoko Ntshabele, CEO of the CGA. He adds: "Shifting produce in an efficient and timely way is essential to the profitability of our industry. The season has started smoothly, but the real test will be the peak over the next two months." Private sector partnerships key to logistics efficiency The CGA emphasises that long-term solutions to logistics inefficiencies and costs lie in large-scale Public-Private Sector Partnerships (PSPs) at ports and within the rail network. While recent policy changes are promising, the industry has yet to see tangible benefits from operating PSPs. "Partnering with business brings faster upgrades, specialised knowledge, a performance-driven culture, and constant innovation, which almost immediately stimulates employment growth," says Ntshabele. Rail access and Durban terminal PSP projects On rail transport, Ntshabele highlighted recent progress: "The progress made over the past few months in opening the rail network to private players is encouraging. Urgency on this front, as well as ensuring attractive options for the private sector, will unlock growth opportunities in the citrus sector, which currently only moves 10% of its citrus to the ports by rail." However, the CGA also pointed out that the PSP project, poised to be a game-changer for citrus—the upgrading and management of Durban Container Terminal Pier 2—is still "tied up in a court battle." Looking ahead, Ntshabele expressed optimism about the industry's future, saying, "As we look towards the future, and our industry's ability to create 100,000 jobs by 2032, we appreciate Transnet's commitment to PSPs and we hope the momentum is kept and that more projects are urgently pursued." All rights reserved. © 2022. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
IOL News
12-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Transnet Port Terminals stabilises operations and positions for future expansion
Transnet Port Terminals (TPT) CEO Jabu Mdaki speaking at the Transport Forum in Durban on Tuesday. Image: Supplied Transnet Port Terminals (TPT) is shifting into a growth trajectory following the recent stabilisation of its business operations, as CEO Jabu Mdaki revealed at the Transport Forum in Durban on Tuesday. This rally comes after the terminal operator adopted a multifaceted approach, which is now beginning to yield significant results in the freight and logistics sector. TPT has earmarked a substantial R3.4 billion for new equipment acquisitions in the 2025/2026 financial year, demonstrating its commitment to modernising infrastructure and enhancing operational efficiencies. Key initiatives include a thorough review of loading cycles in the container sector, upgrading rail infrastructure and agricultural capacity at the Cape Town Multipurpose Terminal, and the anticipated delivery of a third tippler to Saldanha's Bulk Terminal operations by October 2025. Historically, underinvestment in equipment alongside adverse weather conditions and strict policies has hampered TPT's operational efficiency. However, the company has embarked on an ambitious plan to refurbish its current fleet across 16 terminals, which handle various cargo types including agricultural, mineral bulk, breakbulk, containers, and automotive. 'We have also had to employ newtechnologies, automate some of our processes and maximise data analytics in order to predictmaintenance and obtain business intelligence for effective planning and performance,' saidMdaki. To further drive recovery, TPT has introduced new technologies, automated key processes, and leveraged data analytics to predict maintenance needs and derive business intelligence for effective planning and performance improvement. Recent preliminary figures for the 2024/2025 financial year indicate that TPT has surpassed volume targets at five of its 16 terminals, including remarkable achievements at the Richards Bay Terminals, Durban Container Terminal Pier 1, Durban Multipurpose Terminal, and the Port Elizabeth Container Terminal. Despite these successes, Mdaki emphasised the operator's ongoing focus on improved efficiencies, increasing volume growth across sectors, and expanding its market share. While TPT faces challenges such as the impact of US tariffs on South African exports, Mdaki reassured stakeholders of ongoing collaborations within the industry aimed at mitigating potential repercussions on operational plans and annual forecasts. The citrus fruit season, which commenced in April, has further spotlighted TPT's initiatives. New equipment, including ship-to-shore cranes at the Port Elizabeth Container Terminal, rubber-tyred gantry cranes, straddle carriers, rail-mounted gantry cranes, haulers, forklifts, trailers, reach stackers, and additional cranes at the Durban and Cape Town container terminals, have been commissioned and deployed, amplifying the terminal's operational capabilities. BUSINESS REPORT
