Wheat delivery at Bay port

THE Port of Richards Bay has brought in wheat as a new imports product for food production in the region.

Two weeks ago, the Multi-Purpose Terminal (MPT) received its first load of grain from Panama vessel MV Eleni K, which discharged 10 730 tons of wheat.

MPT accommodated Eleni K at berth 606 after approval was given by the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) and Port Health for the harbour to handle wheat discharge.

But the first shipment was not all smooth sailing.

According to MPT, preparation for this vessel was a challenging exercise as strict housekeeping processes to meet requirements of Safety, Health, Environmental and Quality (SHEQ) and operations teams had to be implemented

It was closely monitored by environmental regulatory bodies to ensure there was no dust emissions from the operation.

The first 60 000 tons will be inspected by authorities as well as the Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) to ensure that the local terminal is well equipped to handle the product.

‘We are proud to contribute to the country’s GDP as we know that wheat is in high demand,’ said MTP Terminal Manager, Panaso Ndlela.

He said agricultural exports are, however, just as vital to the SA economy.

‘This makes it all the more important that TPT is able to provide state-of-the-art agricultural bulk operations that offer customers storage and other facilities that meet international market requirements.

‘The discharging of wheat is going to boost volumes for us, and will see MPT enticing more business from the markets.’

Vessels will be dispatched at an average of 10 000 tons every six weeks.

Globally, wheat is the leading source of vegetable protein in human food – second to rice and ahead of maize.