Transnamib Planning to Increase Acid Tankers Fleet
Chamwe Kaira
Namibia’s railway operator, TransNamib plans to procure additional acid tankers in the current Integrated Strategic Business Plan period in order to better service its customers. In 2022, TransNamib moved 297 636 tonnes of sulphuric acid.
One of its biggest customers in terms of sulphuric acid transportation is the Dundee Precious Metals Tsumeb (DPMT), which owns Namibia’s biggest copper smelter and a sulphuric acid plant.
“TransNamib remains committed to servicing its customers. While we do have our operational challenges in terms of our ageing equipment and the state of the infrastructure in general, we engage each of our customers closely to ensure and maintain a mutually beneficial relationship. The fact that the volumes of sulphuric acid TransNamib has transported over the years has increased over the years is testament to the good relationship we have with our various customers,” the company said.
The company last bought 90 tankers in the 2015/2016 financial year. TransNamib currently has a fleet of 120 sulphuric acid tankers in its fleet.
“Of course, rail transport is often considered safer for transporting dangerous goods compared to other modes like road. Railways typically have more stringent safety regulations, and dedicated routes for hazardous materials reducing the risk of accidents and ensuring proper handling,” the company said.
Prior to independence, legislation made it mandatory for hazardous and dangerous goods to move via rail only.
“As TransNamib, one of our focus areas in our new road to rail strategy, is to engage lawmakers about the importance of ensuring laws promote safety and protect our Namibian roads by ensuring certain types of products are only moved via rail.”
TransNamib said it has the ability to move any mining product. The minerals and metals the company transports include copper concentrate, copper blister, manganese, coal and yellow cake.
TransNamib said sulphuric acid tankers in rail transport offer several benefits. They provide a secure and controlled environment for transporting this corrosive substance. By their nature, these tanks withstand the chemical’s corrosive nature, reducing leaks or spills. Additionally, rail transport is more cost-effective for bulk transport over long distances.
“Moving sulphuric acid on the rail thus minimizes road congestion and lessens the impact on the environment.”
TransNamib’s rail tonnage reached 1 502 7111 tonnes in 2021 compared to 1 651 509 tonnes in 2020. The cargo was made out of mining, agriculture, building material, containers, bulk fuel and bulk liquid.