Transnet Port Terminals (TPT) is extending its footprint beyond the borders of South Africa with a team that has taken occupation at the Port of Cotonou in Benin, West Africa, to deliver on the BeniSA Maritime Project.
The project team has wide-ranging credentials and 46 years of accumulated experience in port operations, planning, safety, continuous improvement consulting and Lean Six Sigma methodology to kick-start the stabilisation phase of the project.
“This is an indication of the depth of talent that TPT possesses. This is an exciting time for them and for the company as a whole and a great way for us to begin the New Year,” said TPT’s chief executive Karl Socikwa.
The team, which consists of Lulamile Mtetweni, Samson Joseph, Sipho Ntshangase and Vukosi Maluleke will be on site in the Port of Cotonou for the next 12 months to execute key deliverables of the BeniSA project.
They are tasked with cleaning up existing operational processes, implementing a new terminal layout plan and safety culture, reviewing and revising standard operating procedures as well as implementing the GCOS system that will be supplied and installed by TPT.
The BeniSA Maritime Project is a partnership with Transnet and Societe Bennoise Des Manutentions Portuaires (SOBEMAP), which is in line with Transnet’s Africa strategy. According to Socikwa, the strategy entails defending and growing Transnet’s customer base, diversifying their current income streams as well as looking for new business in South Africa and in sub-Saharan Africa.
“Our aim is to increase our presence in Africa through the provision of operational, technical and information systems advice to other terminals and to facilitate intermodal connectivity for existing and new markets in the region,” said Socikwa.
“The execution of this Benin contract is evidence of our plans to continue to extend the activities of our business beyond South Africa and to emerge as a leading logistics service provider in sub-Saharan Africa, in line with our Africa strategy adopted by Transnet’s board in March 2014.”