Transnet Port Terminals (TPT), an operating division of Transnet SOC, has welcomed the emphasis on export led growth: "As an operator of the country's major commercial port terminals, TPT has a crucial role to play in contributing to the promotion of South Africa's export trade," the company statement said.
"TPT will continue to play a central role to contribute to the acceleration of export performance areas mentioned by the minister in his speech, such as the notable growth in exports of citrus, wine and horticulture products. TPT has already strengthened operations at its container terminals in Cape Town and Durban in preparation for the fruit export peak season. To ensure uninterrupted operations in Cape Town on the landside, the terminal's straddle carrier fleet, which moves containers between different points at the terminal, has been increased."
As part of Transnet's Market Demand Strategy, TPT plan to continue its invest in modernising infrastructure to meet current and future growth needs:
"To concur with the minister's statement that 'in sub-Saharan Africa, South African firms are expanding investment and business partnerships, giving impetus both to regional development and our own export growth; and that Africa is the fastest growing region and offers many opportunities for domestic producers to diversify,' TPT has also noted this trend," the statement read.
"At the Ngqura Container Terminal (NCT) in Port Elizabeth, a shipping line has successfully launched an export service to West Africa. The terminal, now in its fifth year of operation, has been recognised as one of the fastest growing terminals in the world by Drewry Maritime Research. Through its strategic location as a deep water port, its capacity and the equipment installed by TPT, NCT is well positioned to play a key role in serving intra Africa trade.
"TPT plans to grow its footprint into Africa through offering operational, technical and systems advice and training to other African terminals," TPT concluded.
