TNPA awards Durban Port operators for excellence

Representatives of the winners in the category of Best Safety Performer (from left to right) - Hoosen Ahmed and Paulo Franco of FPT (for Point Precinct), Jannie Roux of Bidfreight Port Operations (for Maydon Wharf Precinct), David Leisegang of Bidvest Tank Terminals (Island View Precinct) and Michelle Phillips representing Transnet Port Terminals Pier 1 (for Container Precinct), pictured with TNPA GM: Legal, Risk, Compliance and Regulatory, Sagree Chetty (far right).

Licenced operators were adjudicated in the categories of Best Safety Performer, SHE Compliance, Transformation, Best Performing Terminal Operator, Best Performing Ship Repairer, as well as Best Performing Shipping Line and Most Improved Shipping Lines.

Durban Port manager Moshe Motlohi said the new awards were important in recognising operators’ compliance with stringent operating standards set by the authority. “The strength of our relationships with our licenced terminal operators is central to TNPA’s role as a self-regulating authority that is mandated to execute operational oversight and monitor compliance in the ports,” said Motlohi.

To improve port efficiency through increased productivity and operations oversight TNPA has rolled out Terminal Operator Performance Standards (TOPS) across its ports over the past three years as part of its licencing conditions.

The winners at the Port of Durban Customer Awards were:

Best Safety Performer Award

Recognising the highest standards of safety through adherence to reporting requirements as per licence, quality of reporting and implementation of corrective action.

Winner (Container Precinct): Transnet Port Terminals – Pier 1
Winner (Island View Precinct): Bidvest Tank Terminals
Winner (Maydon Wharf Precinct): Bidfreight Port Operations
Winner (Point Precinct): FPT

SHE Compliance Award

Recognising the highest safety, health and environmental standards judged on audit reports.

Winner (Container Precinct): Transnet Port Terminals – Pier 1
Winner (Island View Precinct): SAPREF
Winner (Maydon Wharf Precinct): Bidfreight Port Operations
Winner (Point Precinct): FPT

Transformation Award

Recognising the biggest transformation improvements and commitment to BBBEE, including skills development and gender equality.

Winner: Veetech Oils now trading as Thebe Unico

Best Performing Terminal Award

Based on the volume growth percentage per licence. Unfortunately, no terminal had achieved a positive volume growth rate in the Container Precinct.

Winner (Island View Precinct): Chevron
Winner (Maydon Wharf Precinct): Grindrod Terminals Durban – Shadwell Road
Winner (Point Precinct): FPT

Best Performing Ship Repairer Award

Applicable to repairers based in the Bayhead Precinct, and judged in terms of safety record, investment, job creation, and skills development.

Winner: Dormac Marine & Engineering

Best Performing Shipping Line

(based on volume growth as a percentage in two key sectors, Containers and Automotive)

Winner - Containers: Maersk Line
Winner - Automotive: Hoegh Autoliners

Most Improved Shipping Line

Based on volume growth as a percentage in two key sectors: Containers and Automotive

Winner - Containers: CMA CGM
Winner – Automotive: K-Line

Motlohi said the categorisation per precinct was in line with the port’s new approach of segmenting specific areas of the port according to commodity and category of clients served. The Container Precinct handles containerised cargo predominantly at Durban Container Terminal Pier 1 and Pier 2, the Island View Precinct serves the liquid bulk sector, the Maydon Wharf Precinct handles dry bulk cargo and the Point Precinct caters for automotive and breakbulk cargo.

He said Marine Operations Standards (MOPS) have also been issued at all ports. TNPA’s next focus will be on the roll-out of Rail Operator Standards (ROPS) piloting at the Port of Durban as well as Hauler Operator Standards (HOPS).