Multi Product Import Export Facility.
Bulk Connections has a reputation for handling a wide range of commodities using a variety of appliances.
Sized sensitive bulk products that break easily or are large and lumpy may be handled as easily as grains, powders or concentrates.
Loading methods make use of either a container loading system or a Conveyor / Cascade system. The products may come directly from rail wagons or from stack storage.
Vessels are discharged by grab unloaders that can either load road or rail wagons directly or via a stockpile system.
Various combinations can be used to ensure minimum handling, blending or separation of commodities as well as efficient just-in-time cargo management procedures.
Other Bidvest terminals in Durban Harbour can assist in loading, discharging or storage should any one become congested.
Ships agent facilities are available in the group as well as total logistic services that cover cross border traffic.
The terminal can offer the following services to clients:
Rail Logistics
Arising from the vessels plan, the trains are scheduled to arrive at the terminal the terminal on a regular basis in a manner which will ensure the stockpiles have sufficient product before a vessel arrives. Permits are issued confirming the dates of railing and the traffic en route is constantly monitored. Changes or adjustments to the sequencing of traffic are made by the terminals operations management department. Planning changes are updated daily on the terminals website. ( See Vessel Planning )
Rail Networks
Bulk Connections has the largest private siding network in the Port of Durban. This siding (called "Wests" with a siding number 651958) is connected to the main line and all incoming trains are brought directly from the mines into the exchange yard.
South Africa has an extensive rail network, currently operated by Transnet Freight Rail. Rail traffic to and from the Terminal is regulated jointly by Bulk Connections Operations Planning and Transnet Freight Rail Central Planning office in Johannesburg. Trains are scheduled to arrive using a priority permit system that regulates the sequence and flow of traffic.
Trains are categorised into two main groups, vacuum brake and air brake trains. Vacuum brake trains utilise up to 40 wagons per train, each holding around 60 tons (of coal) whilst air brake trains consist of up to 65 wagons, each holding around 60 tons.
Careful planning and just-in-time wagon management are one of the recognised hallmarks of the Terminal's internationally competitive productivity. (Sized sensitive products are loaded directly onto a vessel and are not stored out of wagons and recovered).
Distances from the Terminal to the South African mines range from 300km to over 900 km, however traffic from the Copper Belt in Zambia is also routinely offloaded at the terminal.
Terminal and Transnet Freight Rail Management share a common philosophy - to maximise the throughput in the most efficient manner, needless to say they have excellent relationships.
CargoSoft Handling
The terminal specialises in the soft or gentle handling of products. These may be both import or export and load rates are dependent on the product characteristics.
Stevedoring
This is such in integral part of a terminal operation, a reputable stevedoring organisation is contracted to handle the work required on board a vessel. This includes trimming, moving cargo with payloaders, hatch cleaning etc.
Special Products Handling
Products that require specialised handling are not uncommon. These opportunities are tackled with gusto and there are many examples of satisfied cargo owners. Special services include the following:-
* Sealing / puffing and cleaning of railway wagons.
* Storage and handling of weather sensitive cargoes.
* Tarping and water sealing of wagons.
* Weighbridging of rail wagons.
* Inspection, verification and monitoring of cargo.
* Sampling and analysis of cargo.
* Filling of containers or bulk bags.
* Loading or distribution of containers or bulk bags.
Agency
As the terminal is part of a large, divest group ships agency or cargo agency forms part of the group and therefore the cost of this is included in the rates.