In July 2007, K’Enyuka Project Managers awarded the project team a ‘turnkey’ project Logistics contract to execute the shipment of 6 x second hand Ball Mills ex Cebu (Philippines) and Parts / Accessories ex Perth & Darwin (Australia), for and on behalf of Rhodium Reefs / Barplats.

Our scope included application to ITAC for a Stage Consignment Ruling, application to the Department of Trade and Industries for a Second Hand Import Permit as well as registration with SARS of Rhodium Reefs Limited as an importer. Additionally ‘pre-shipment’ inspections were to be arranged (Beauport Maritime) as well as a ‘marine survey’ (Del Pan Marine & Cargo Surveyors) confirming satisfactory stowage.

Given that both Darwin and Cebu are remote destinations with limited shipping options, we had to source a vessel that could accommodate all cargo (2 ports of loading) and be able to berth in drafts lower than 8m.

Plant statistics were as follows:

Cargo value: R150m
Logistics spend: R11m

The best shipping option was to charter a vessel (3500 tons) load Darwin cargo in Singapore and thereafter proceed to Cebu to load remaining cargo or vice versa. The Perth cargo was shipped via conventional shipping line service.

The equipment had to be loaded on a 5000 ton barge from Tayud in Consolacion, approx. 10kms from the Cebu International Port (CIP). Loading out of CIP proved to be a challenge at time of loading due to adverse weather conditions (heavy rains & strong winds) that ravaged throughout the Pacific, restricting us to work on barge to ship transfer during daylight hours only..