East London Terminal Unlocks Exports for Agricultural Market

The East London Terminal has resumed the export and import of maize and wheat after nearly two years of the silo facility’s temporary closure due to a severe decline in volumes regionally.

The arrival of MV BELSOUTH for the loading of 44 000 tons of maize destined for Mexico, is another successful venture ensuring that Transnet Port Terminals continues to play a meaningful role in South Africa’s food security as part of its mandate.

East London grain volumes started declining from 1 000 000 tons to 48 000 tons per annum in 2021. The grain elevator which is also one of the largest silos in the country, with a capacity of 66 000 tons became financially constrained and a decision was taken to temporarily close the facility until business opportunities opened in the market. The terminal did however continue to discharge grain using a direct discharge operating model, were cargo is loaded in trucks and taken to an external facility immediately.

“The collaboration between the East London Terminal, local and regional stakeholders as well as industry is unprecedented and has unlocked further economic opportunities for the Eastern Cape” said Naliya Stamper, East London Terminal Manager. She added that the East London Terminal formed part of a network of 16 sea cargo terminals managed by Transnet Port Terminals. The entity has identified East London as one of two major facilities for the strategy of exporting and importing total grain volumes countrywide.

Ahead of resuming the silo facility operations, the terminal had conducted risk assessments identifying safety critical issues ahead of the reopening of the silo facility. This was significant because the silo facility adheres to the safe storage of agricultural bulk commodities. Audits conducted by Perishable Products Export Control Board (PPECB) have awarded the terminal with the relevant food safety and rail operation certification.