State-owned freight transport and logistics company Transnet has announced that the Saldanha Iron Ore Terminal (IOT) has begun its yearly maintenance shutdown, which will run for 16 days from October 6 to 21.

As part of its ‘Reinvent for Growth’ strategy, the maintenance shutdown at this terminal will focus on infrastructure upgrades, dust management systems, and the refurbishment of key mechanical and electrical components across the terminal’s cargo-handling equipment.

One of the key upgrades will be the installation of a new misting system at the ship loaders to further suppress dust emissions during loading operations.

“These improvements form part of the terminal’s ongoing commitment to enhancing air quality and maintaining compliance with environmental standards,” highlights Transnet IOT terminal manager Warren Kramer.

He adds that all key stakeholders, including customers, have been consulted on the shutdown, which provides an opportunity to undertake critical maintenance activities that cannot be accommodated during the terminal’s weekly 12-hour maintenance windows.

Transnet also notes that the IOT plays a critical role within South Africa’s export economy given that this terminal handles more than 50-million tonnes a year.

Therefore, planned maintenance interventions are viewed as essential to enhancing long-term reliability, reducing operational risk and improving equipment performance.

Given the terminal’s reliance on conveyor belt systems, Transnet says this year’s maintenance programme will focus on component replacements, civil works, repairs to two rail tipplers, and the maintenance of ship loaders and the stacker-reclaimer bucket wheel structure.

The new tippler forms part of the recently completed R4-billion Saldanha infrastructure project, which introduced modern equipment and technologies designed to support sustainable cargo-handling operations. Moreover, key upgrades delivered through the project include advanced wet and dry dust extraction systems, as well as enhanced emissions-suppression technology at the rail tipplers.

The company notes that since September, 1976, the IOT has exported more than 1.4-billion tonnes of iron-ore, thereby making a significant contribution to South Africa’s export economy and strengthening the country’s position in global iron-ore markets.

Additional capital projects aimed at reducing emissions are planned over the next two financial years, Transnet concludes.