Transnet Port Terminal’s (TPT) PE has received the first two of four RAM rotating spreaders that is set to create approximately an additional 1.8 million tons per year capacity for manganese exports.
According to TPT’s GM: Cape Channel, Velile Dube, the substantial R24-million investment in the acquisition of this impressive equipment will play a vital role in opening up another export leg in South Africa and ensuring more of this high value commodity can be exported out of the terminal.
“The decision to procure this world-class equipment was due to the market demand to provide a cargo handling solution. It’s also well-known and implemented technology in other top terminals around the world. We have every intention of becoming one of the top 5 global terminals in 5 years and this is the kind of equipment and forward-thinking strategy that we need to adopt in order to achieve that,” stated Dube. The final two rotating spreaders that have been specifically modified for manganese handling will arrive from China at the end of October 2018.
The PE terminal is the first port in South Africa to have introduced rotating spreaders in their manganese operations. Lesiba Ramatladi, Senior Engineering Manager TPT: Cape Channel, explained that these particular rotating spreaders will be connected to existing ship-to-shore (STS) cranes and will be commissioned to interface with the crane’s software to ensure the efficient loading of manganese into vessels. “Our research confirmed that this was a more cost-effective and simpler way of loading manganese while increasing capacity. What is even more exciting is that these rotating spreaders can be used for the handling of any type of bulk material handling,” Ramatladi said.
The PE Terminal is the largest exporter of manganese in the country, aiming to be the largest globally within the next six years. The specialised manganese facility at the PE Terminal was upgraded to enhance capacity and improve environmental performance. Apart from the terminal’s bulk handling operations it also houses a container terminal and NOSCAR rated Ro-Ro facility.