Question NW1037 to the Minister of Public Enterprises
04 May 2016 - NW1037
Mazzone, Ms NW to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises
With reference to the impending grain imports as a result of the current drought in the country, and assurances by her department given in the Portfolio Committee on Public Enterprises that all ports were ready to receive the grain imports, (a) what is (i) her department and (ii) Transnet doing to ensure that each port is ready for the massive expected influx of grain imports, (b) how many ships carrying grain are expected to dock at each of the ports, (c) which ports will be used and (d) what is the capacity of each port to accommodate the (i) ships and (ii) grain.
Reply:
(1) (a) Transnet has formed a working group represented by Transnet National Ports Authority (“TNPA”), Transnet Port Terminals (“TPT”) and Transnet Freight Rail (“TFR”) in ensuring that any challenges that may ensue are addressed by all affected operating divisions to ensure an efficient, effective and consistent safe operation. The import programme is coordinated by Grain South Africa’s Logistics and Planning Committee (SACOTA) and comprises of representatives from all the ports, railways, traders, silo owners and millers.
(b) The total number will be driven by the commercial agreements between the shippping lines and the cargo owners. In terms of berth availability, vessels will be allocated berths according to vessels length, parcel size, draft, method of handling and safety considerations.
(c) The ports that have the capacity to handle grain are listed as follows :
- Port of Durban,
- Port of Cape Town,
- Port of East London, and
- Port of Port Elizabeth
(d) (i) Ships
|
PORTS |
AVAILABLE BERTHS |
|
East London |
2 Berths (T & S berth) |
|
Port Elizabeth |
4 Berths (Berth 8,9,10,11) |
|
Cape Town |
3 Berths (Multi-Purpose Terminal) |
|
3 Berths (Fruit Purpose Terminal |
|
|
Durban |
3 Berths (Island View, Maydon Wharf, Maydon Wharf) |
(ii) Grain
|
PORTS |
CAPACITY (tons) |
|
East London |
1,344,000 |
|
Port Elizabeth |
1,344,000 |
|
Cape Town |
2,016,000 |
|
Durban (Agriport, SABT) |
2,016,000 |
|
3,360,000 |
|
|
2,016,000 |