Transnet‘s Port Elizabeth container handling terminal has achieved a new record of 42400 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in July, the highest container volumes ever, the parastatal said yesterday.
The new record beats that of 41362 TEUs which was recorded during the same period last year. Among other commodities, Transnet spokesman Syndie Ndwalaza said, the increase in exports had been due to manganese, a bumper fruit industry season and a general increase in vehicle exports through the port.
All these were despite the gloomy global and local economic conditions, she said, adding that the exports of fully-built vehicles had increased by 3% in July as compared to the same period last year.
Ndwalaza said: “This shows an increase of 2,5 % TEUs as compared to the same period last year. The additional volume has been attributed to a 15% increase in exports. A total of 9112 TEUs were handled in July this year as compared to 7905 TEUs during the same period last year.”
“Multi-purpose terminals have increased tonnages of steel rails. The bulk terminal has seen an increase in manganese volumes which is currently 11% above expected volumes,” she said.
Transnet PE increased its volumes from 94107 TEUs in the 2006/07 financial year to 99492 TEUs for this year till July.
“It‘s a 6% increase, and I think it‘s a lovely achievement,” she said.
Hector Danisa, a Transnet business executive said: “The volumes are promising and we are happy to render the service which contributes towards the economy of the country.”
The utility yesterday also announced the appointment of Chuma Butshingi as its new chief of operations in Port Elizabeth. Butshingi, who previously served Transnet as its terminals maintenance manager, will now oversee the parastatal‘s general day-to- day terminal operations.
“His brief is to ensure that the terminals operate or handle cargo efficiently and cost-effectively. Customer satisfaction remains his first priority, so is the safety of all terminal users and cargo,” Ndwalaza said.
Butshingi‘s mechanical engineering qualifications were obtained from Peninsula Technikon, she said, adding that he started with Transnet Port Terminals in 2003 from Eskom, where he had worked in the maintenance department.
Transnet also announced the launch of its state-of-the-art Post Panamax cranes for the Port Elizabeth container terminal next Tuesday.
Transnet Port Terminals chief executive, Tau Morwe, will provide updates on the utility‘s investments in all the ports across South Africa on this occasion.
The new record beats that of 41362 TEUs which was recorded during the same period last year. Among other commodities, Transnet spokesman Syndie Ndwalaza said, the increase in exports had been due to manganese, a bumper fruit industry season and a general increase in vehicle exports through the port.
All these were despite the gloomy global and local economic conditions, she said, adding that the exports of fully-built vehicles had increased by 3% in July as compared to the same period last year.
Ndwalaza said: “This shows an increase of 2,5 % TEUs as compared to the same period last year. The additional volume has been attributed to a 15% increase in exports. A total of 9112 TEUs were handled in July this year as compared to 7905 TEUs during the same period last year.”
“Multi-purpose terminals have increased tonnages of steel rails. The bulk terminal has seen an increase in manganese volumes which is currently 11% above expected volumes,” she said.
Transnet PE increased its volumes from 94107 TEUs in the 2006/07 financial year to 99492 TEUs for this year till July.
“It‘s a 6% increase, and I think it‘s a lovely achievement,” she said.
Hector Danisa, a Transnet business executive said: “The volumes are promising and we are happy to render the service which contributes towards the economy of the country.”
The utility yesterday also announced the appointment of Chuma Butshingi as its new chief of operations in Port Elizabeth. Butshingi, who previously served Transnet as its terminals maintenance manager, will now oversee the parastatal‘s general day-to- day terminal operations.
“His brief is to ensure that the terminals operate or handle cargo efficiently and cost-effectively. Customer satisfaction remains his first priority, so is the safety of all terminal users and cargo,” Ndwalaza said.
Butshingi‘s mechanical engineering qualifications were obtained from Peninsula Technikon, she said, adding that he started with Transnet Port Terminals in 2003 from Eskom, where he had worked in the maintenance department.
Transnet also announced the launch of its state-of-the-art Post Panamax cranes for the Port Elizabeth container terminal next Tuesday.
Transnet Port Terminals chief executive, Tau Morwe, will provide updates on the utility‘s investments in all the ports across South Africa on this occasion.