The Port Elizabeth Car Terminal recently embarked on a dual ramp operation to enhance performance, with this resulting in a 14% increase in units handled per hour (UPH) – exceeding the terminal’s stretch target of 200 UPH.
The successful trial with the Hoegh Shipping Line has resulted in the terminal endorsing the implementation of the dual ramp operation on all calling vessels.
The terminal, which previously used one ramp for loading and offloading vehicles that are fully built, now uses both the side and main ramps.
“Daily we are working at enhancing our performance and improving productivity and the team is rising to the occasion. The results are pleasing,” highlights terminal manager Chuma Butshingi.
He adds that the benchmarking exercise that the team embarked on in Thailand last year exposed them to a better way of managing the operation.
The terminal had planned to load 2 700 VW Polo vehicles for export and ended up loading an additional 51, bringing the total to 2 751.
“The collaborative spirit from the shipping line and the South African Cargo Service, together with our team of employees has been exceptional,” says Butshingi.
The Port Elizabeth Car Terminal handles an average of 150 000 fully built units yearly, with Europe as its major trading market.