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Richards Bay Coal Terminal
Media releases
01 May 2010
Phase V Commissioned
Richards Bay Coal Terminal (“RBCT”) has finally announced its long-awaited R1.2 billion Phase V Expansion project completion (pending finalization of some necessary project contractual tasks), with a 91 million ton terminal which commenced on 1 May 2010.
This announcement cemented RBCT’s position as the single largest export coal terminal in the world.
Raymond Chirwa, Chief Executive Officer, at RBCT says: “We are delighted to finally reach this milestone in our expansion project. The commissioning comes at a point where South Dunes Coal Terminal, a major Phase V contributor, has already concluded its agreement at the beginning of this month. In addition to SDCT, some contracts, with new empowered shareholders, have been signed while the remaining few have been agreed to in principle and are in their final stages of being concluded.
RBCT looks forward to a smooth incorporation of the new breed of coal exporters into the terminal’s operations.
“Significantly, the integration of all new entrants will enable us to focus on our primary mission of providing a valued link on South Africa’s coal exports to the benefit of our stakeholders.”
While RBCT will be ready to receive coal and operate the terminal at 91 million tons per annum, Transnet Freight Rail (TFR), who owns and operates the rail lines, has yet to ramp up its capacity to meet RBCT’s targets.
“I am confident that Transnet has taken a positive step and are in the process of implementing necessary de-bottlenecking rail infrastructure projects in order to meet the export demand required by RBCT exporters in the shortest time,” Chirwa said
A total 61.14 million tons of coal was exported through RBCT in 2009 compared to a slightly lower tonnage received from TFR during the same year.
“With the operational integration and new infrastructural challenges behind us, we can now concentrate on the important job of providing efficient and reliable coal-exporting service to the benefit of all,” Chirwa says.
About Richards Bay Coal Terminal
Richards Bay Coal Terminal (RBCT) is the single largest export coal terminal in the world. Opened in 1976 with an original capacity of 12 million tons per annum, it has grown into an advanced 24-hour operation with a design capacity of 91 million tons per annum. Positioned at one of the world’s deep sea ports in Richards Bay, RBCT is able to handle large ships and subsequent large volumes. The 260 hectare site currently boasts a quay 1,6 kilometres long with five berths and four ship loaders.