Durban Port Operators Lauded for Excellence

Transnet National Ports Authority’s (TNPA) inaugural Port of Durban Customer Awards acknowledged outstanding terminal operators for their role in the success of South Africa’s busiest commercial seaport. The ‘The Great Gatsby’ themed event was held at the Durban International Convention Centre.

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.

Transformation Award

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

Winner: Thebe Unico.

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).

* Source: Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA)