Since adding transhipment services to its service offering in April 2013, The Transnet Port Terminals’ (TPT) Port Elizabeth Car Terminal has seen an increase in transhipment volumes of 79% from the period April 2014 to January 2015.

Transhipment has increased the volume throughput at the PE port resulting in growth in vessel calls from 6 vessels in 2013 to 16 vessel calls in 2014.

“The target has always been set at 150 cargo units loaded onto and off a vessel per hour which we have been exceeding. In the last financial year we were performing at 180 units per hour, this year we are currently performing at 183 units per hour,” says Andile Bono, chief operations manager: Transnet Port Terminals Port Elizabeth Terminal. “The improved performance is as a result of improved efficiencies and team work.”

Transhipment was implemented after various shipping lines, namely Mitsui O.S.K Lines (MOL), Sharaf Shipping Agency and Wallenius Walhelmsen Logistics (WWL) expressed a keen interest to call at the PE port.

According to Stephanie Paul, Car Terminal operations manager: Transnet Port Terminals Port Elizabeth Car Terminal: “Shipping lines have expressed great satisfaction with performance levels at the PE port. By ensuring high levels of operational efficiencies and safety standards, the PE Car Terminal will position itself as a lucrative option for future transhipment business. This can only be realised through close collaboration and innovative thinking between all parties involved in the operational process. Our goal is to ensure transhipment growth and to position the Port Elizabeth Terminal as the Automotive Transhipment Hub of sub-Saharan Africa.”

Siya Mhlaluka, general manager: Eastern Cape Terminals, says: “We are pleased that the Port Elizabeth Car Terminal is successfully contributing positively towards the Transnet Market Demand Strategy by making use of opportunities and ensuring growth and skills development within the Eastern Cape.”

Luvuyo Hobo, terminal manager: Port Elizabeth says, “We are fortunate that the Port Elizabeth port is positioned between the Atlantic and Indian Ocean which creates larger opportunities for Transhipment.”