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Africa Seaport Expansion Summit 2012

December 6th - 7th, 2012, Durban, South Africa

South African port operator Transnet Port Terminals (TPT) has announced to invest US$4.3 billion over the next seven years to encourage the economic growth and operational efficiency in its port terminal management.

The Africa Seaport Expansion Summit 2012 addressed the readiness of African ports to receive the newer and bigger vessels, developing, improving and protecting port facilities; securing financing for marine infrastructure; managing congestion and increasing operational efficiency; assessing intermodal options and promoting regional and international trade flow.

A key speaker on Day 1, Mr. Andrew Layman, CEO, Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry, spoke about African Challenges in Ports Development. His presentation dealt with the challenges in infrastructure development, the key points that needed to be addressed in order to ensure progress and a quick note on the road ahead for the industry

Another speaker on Day 1, Mr. Peter Copley, PR Eng, spoke about Financing of Port Projects in Sub‐ Saharan Africa. He spoke about linking the various ports through railways and roadways, and also touched upon SADC’s intra-regional traffic movement. He presented a few studies on development, infrastructure backlogs and touched upon financing options for African ports

Day 1 also saw presentations by Mr. SeiichiroKon of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. He spoke about the company and presented a few solutions in cases of traffic congestion around ports, environmental concerns and Emergency loss of power through the usage of Mitsubishi Products

Mr. Kevin Frazer, Senior Technical Manager, Water Weights, also gave an introduction to his company. He introduced the delegates to the various product solutions of Water Weights, the broad scope and aims of the company and the various accreditations it has gained over the years

Mr. Johny M Smith of the Walvis Bay Corridor Group gave a presentation on Development of Ports for Regional Integration in Africa.His presentation introduced the various corridors in Africa, spoke about the challenges in transport and logistics, and detailed the role of Ports in ensuring regional connectivity and integration through out the African continent

On day 2 of the conference, Barbara Mommen, CEO, Maputo Corridors Logistics Initiative spoke about Intermodal Transport and Logistics Corridors. Her presentation highlighted the African Trade picture, both in the continent and globally, the importance of a regional approach in increasing integration, competitiveness of the market among others. She ended her presentation by presenting a case study highlighting the Efficient Logistics Corridors

Speaking about the Trans-Kalahari Corridor, Mr. Oscar Muyatwahighlighted the key objectives, the programmes and the current status of the Trans- Kalhari corridor. He also briefly spoke about the prevailing status of Africa as a major trade hub, the challenges being currently faced, the risks that would need to be taken and safeguards that would need to be put in place. He ended his presentation by highlighting the way forward and briefly speaking about the achievements of the corridor in its existence

Providing some insight into the port of Djibouti, Mr. Djama Ibrahim Darar, Commercial Director, Port De Djibouti, showcased the existing infrastructure, the proposed expansions to the port infrastructure, planned future expansions and discussed the key markets that the port currently targeted and was aiming at targeting in the future

One of the final speakers on Day 2, Mr. Willie Coetsee, Transnet Port Terminals noted that one of the key issues highlighted over the conference was the issue of delivering freight reliably, an issue that Transnet has the solutions for. His presentation spoke about the vision of Transnet, the various divisions within the company and their plans for the future. His presentation was well received by the delegates

Noppen would like to thank our sponsors for helping us in the event. We would also like to extend our thanks to all the speakers and gathered delegates for taking part and ensuring the success of the summit

Africa Seaport Expansion Summit 2012

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