Bay cargo volumes down
THE Port of Richards Bay recorded a decline in cargo tonnage last month, with 5.9 million tonnes shifted, compared to 7.4 million in July and 7.7 million in June.
The cargo volumes moved in August are also a substantial decrease compared with the 6.9 million in the same month last year and the 7.2 million in 2020.
According to the latest statistics released by Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA), just over 5.6 million cargo tonnes handled last month was dry bulk, 237 405 tonnes of liquid bulk and 56 480 of breakbulk.
A total of 123 vessel arrivals with a gross tonnage of 4 906 908 were recorded, 23 of which were tankers transporting chemicals and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG).
The Port of Richards Bay, which has the largest dry bulk terminal in the country, is being positioned as a dry bulk hub and the handling of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG).
This forms part of multi-billion rand expansion plans which have been approved by the TNPA board for both the Richards Bay and Durban ports.
Included in these plans is the relocation of dry bulk handling from the Port of Durban to Richards Bay.
"The plans are aligned to Department of Mineral Resources and Energy’s strategic plan 2020-25, which features a new berth for handling LNG as a cleaner alternative to coal for power generation," said TNPA portfolio director for KZN Logistics Hub Dr Bridgette GasaToboti.
"Some of the dry bulk terminals and mineral handling facilities are also earmarked for relocation from the Port of Durban’s Island View and Maydon Wharf precincts to the Port of Richards Bay," said