Despite strike-related challenges early in the year, Transnet Port Terminals (TPT) Richards Bay approached 2010 with solid plans for improved efficiency across its business functions.

Guided by Transnet's Quantum Leap strategy, which emphasises improved customer service, productivity, efficiency and volume growth, TPT's Richards Bay Terminal had to embark on robust action to address its challenges.

These included the frequent breakdown of equipment, snapping conveyor belts, an electrical supply problem, train derailments, delayed refurbishment projects and environmental management issues.
Progress is evident. More than 70% of the terminal's 40-plus km conveyor belt network is brand new.
TPT Richards Bay also appointed a substantial number of additional engineers to beef up the terminal's maintenance capacity and improve the reliability of equipment.

This, over and above the recently contracted original equipment manufacturers (OEM), who assist the technical team while transferring skills.

The company has also adopted a strict approach by issuing non-conformances to service providers who fail to deliver on agreed timelines.

Plenty of focus and effort has been invested into environmental management. The terminal recently cleared all audit findings and will soon acknowledge its OHSAS 18001 status from the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS).

As a company that benchmarks itself with international entities, TPT said it remained committed to finding solutions as it continued working towards achieving business targets set by its shareholder.
Terminal Executive Victor Mkhize said, "At the heart of this commitment is our interest in pursuing immediate changes that have a positive impact for all TPT Richards Bay stakeholders."
He said this would be achieved through the following pillars: terminal integration, terminal turnaround, operational efficiency improvements, equipment availability and reliability, and environmental management.

Said Mkhize said, "As the terminal strives towards meeting set targets, we strongly believe that an opportunity still exists for us to excite all stakeholders and also deliver on Quantum Leap targets."
He added that capital funds for ship loader and ship unloader replacements have been approved with the expected arrival of this equipment set at 2012.

"This is one project that will elevate production levels at a staggering rate," said Mkhize.