Name of the Project
Tippler 3 (T3) project.

Location
Port of Saldanha, Western Cape, South Africa.

Project Owner/s
Transnet.

Project Description
The T3 project has been flagged as one of South Africa’s megaprojects. The project is part of Transnet’s plans to secure and sustain the country’s throughput of iron-ore export volumes at 60-million tons a year.

Currently, the Port of Saldanha operates two Tipplers (T1 and T2), with Tippler 1, installed in 1996 nearing the end of its life span and Tippler 2 soon to undergo a midlife refurbishment programme.

T3 and its positioner will be used to empty wagons that are loaded with iron-ore.

The project will include a host of new infrastructure changes to the existing operational set-up to provide a functional third tippler capability that is integrated with the existing rail and ports system.

The project also comprises new buildings, service roads, three bridges, railway lines, conveyors, lighting and bulk electrical supply infrastructure.

The project also includes the construction of the MR599 bridge, which is part of the provincial road and is the main arterial road between Langebaan and Saldanha. The extension of this bridge is required to accommodate new rail lines, conveyors and service roads between T3 and the port.

Potential Job Creation
Not stated.

Capital Expenditure
The project is estimated at R3.07-billion.

Planned Start/End Date
The project is expected to start operations by July 2020.

Latest Developments
The completion of the MR559 bridge ahead of schedule will fast-track the installation of T3 at the Port of Saldanha.

To fast-track the completion of the project, the existing Eskom high-voltage overhead lines have already been relocated to accommodate the construction of the road, railway lines, and conveyor systems between T3 and the port.

Some of the project milestones completed include the vault and the conveyer tunnel. All this work is progressing within a narrow rail corridor west of the Saldanha steel premises.

Key Contracts and Suppliers
Sisonke Joint Venture, comprising Wilson Bayley Holmes Ovcon and Thekwane Holdings and ORO Projects (bridge construction).

On Budget and on Time?
Too early to state.

Contact Details for Project Information
Transnet external communication Nompumelelo Kunene, tel +27 11308 2384 or email Nompumelelo.Kunene2@transnet.net.