Finance
1.1 How do I go about paying for the Terminals services?
1.2 What does it cost to handle products through the Terminal?
1.3 What are the Account details for payment to the Durban Coal Terminal Company Ltd?
1.4 Are there any penalties for late payment?
Operations
2.1 What products can the Terminal handle?
2.2 What is the Terminal capacity?
2.3 How does the sensitive product system work?
2.4 How is the Cascade System different from the bucket system?
2.5 What is the rapid loading system?
2.6 How are vessels discharged?
2.7 Do you have any facilities for storing cargo?
Finance
1.1 How do I go about paying for the Terminals services?
The General Trading Conditions specify that there are essentially two choices:-
a. Cash deposited into the bank account before vessel handling commences. (A discount of 1% of the total handling fee is allowed in this case).
b. Lodging an acceptable financial guarantee with the terminal. (The details of this can be forwarded on request).
The vessel is invoiced and payment must be made within 30 days from the date of invoice.
1.2 What does it cost to handle products through the Terminal?
This depends on what services are required such as storage, weighbridging, stevedoring. It is advisable to contact the General Manager for further details.
1.3 What are the Account details for payment to the Durban Coal Terminal Company Ltd?
Bank : First National Bank
Branch : Durban Corporate
Branch Code : 22 36 26
DCTC Acc No. : 59270010779
1.4 Are there any penalties for late payment?
Yes, interest at the rate of 1% over prime per month or part thereof will be charged on all overdue accounts. No additional vessels will be considered unless accounts are up to date. back to top
Operations
2.1 What products can the Terminal handle?
Bulk Connections can handle most import and export free flowing or semi-free flowing bulk commodities. Systems and equipment are predominantly designed to handle sensitive type cargoes that require "soft" or sensitive handling during operations to minimise degradation of the product. In addition to the sensitive handling systems Bulk Connections also has facilities designed to handle rapid free flowing bulk products that are not susceptible to degradation . back to top
2.2 What is the Terminal capacity?
With a general mix of products and a high percentage of sensitive cargoes being handled at the terminal, throughput capacity is presently 4.5 million tons per annum. Bulk Connections has 4 berths, of which 3 of fully operational at all times. Depending on equipment or system required Bulk Connections can operate 2 berths 100% at any time and a third berth when necessary. There are certain restrictions on vessel size and water drafts, for further technical data and information please see OPERATIONAL DATA. back to top
2.3 How does the sensitive product system work?
Products that require careful handling and minimal degradation during operations are loaded into vessels with uniquely designed "containers" with bottom opening doors. These are predominantly used for distinctive and specialised markets requiring sized anthracite and coal products susceptible to degradation. Minimal handling of the product is critical and the "container" system has been especially designed to provide this service. back to top
Due to the sensitivity of product handling load rates are designed around 16000 tons per day, utilising the specialised containers system. back to top
2.4 How is the Cascade System different from the bucket system?
The cascade system is also designed to handle sensitive cargoes that require low degradation during vessel loading operations. The product is also loaded direct from rail wagon via a conveyor belt system and transferred into the vessel hatches through a series of cascades. The cascades are designed to break direct dropping of the product from a belt system into the vessel's hatches. Dust and pollution is minimised. Load rates are designed at 2 000 to 2 200 tons per hour, depending on product characteristics. back to top
2.5 What is the rapid loading system?
Unsized and free flowing products that do not require careful handling. These may be handled via a conveyor belt system, which can feed product directly from rail wagons and/or from ground storage into vessels. Presently the system is designed to operate at 2 000 tons per hour, depending on product characteristics. back to top
2.6 How are vessels discharged?
Presently all discharging of cargo is done via Bulk Connections quayside equipment and/or vessels grabs and gear. Products may be discharged directly via quayside hoppers or transfer points into road or rail cars and to ground storage if required. Discharge rates vary according to the type of product handled, generally in the region of 6000 to 8000 tons per day.
2.7 Do you have any facilities for storing cargo?
Open ground storage (concrete bins) are available. Presently these can accommodate up to 600 000 tons in open storage and 40 000 tons in shed storage. 30 000 tons is available for surfaced open ground storage for discharging vessels. Generally storage is allocated on a first come first served basis, however, capacity and time duration's must be negotiated prior to any agreements. back to top