LAST month, FFS Tank Terminals celebrated the completion of an expansion project with a total investment value of R370 million at Maydon Wharf in the Port of Durban. In November 2022, the development started with a sod-turning for the project that has reshaped bitumen storage in South Africa. Phase 1 included the completion of three new bitumen storage tanks with a total capacity of 7,500 m3. With phase 2 of the project now completed, FFS has successfully commissioned a further five specialised heated bulk bitumen import storage tanks and pipelines with a total capacity of 13,000 m3 at Maydon Wharf.
The completion of these storage tanks serves a critical role in the industry as Maydon Wharf is the country’s primary import facility for bitumen following the closure of local refineries. In addition to the bitumen tanks, phase 2 of the project also included the construction of a new 7,250 m3 tank and the conversion of a further three storage tanks for residual fuel oil, for service in either marine bunkering or industrial heating fuel.
Speaking at an event to celebrate the completion of the project, Andrew Canning, FFS chief executive officer, said: “The completion of this project provides South Africa with a much-needed facility for the importation of bitumen, the key ingredient used in all road upgrades and pothole repairs, that we all so desperately need. What is extremely rewarding is that the project was engineered, constructed and financed by local empowered South African companies.
“I would like to thank Continental Bitumen Southern Africa, a subsidiary of the Colas group and one of the largest bitumen traders in the world, for partnering with FFS on this project. Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) are to be commended for their willingness to support this project, and we are pleased that this project will increase shipping into the Port of Durban. Together, we have all created a bitumen terminal from scratch that will serve South Africa for many years to come. We have been part of something very special and are leaving a legacy for future generations.“
Ricardo Louw, Continental Bitumen Southern Africa managing director, said: “Continental Bitumen Southern Africa (CBSA) is honoured to partner with FFS Tank Terminals on this expansion project. Leveraging our global supply chain, we’re dedicated to providing the Southern African road construction industry with a reliable and consistent supply of quality bitumen. We are proud to be the first company offering hot-on-tap, 24/7, product to the market. The local road construction industry has a legacy of building quality roads and being a driver for economic growth. Our investment in the terminals is our contribution to helping them honour this mandate.“
FFS Tank Terminals is a subsidiary of FFS Refiners, a majority black-owned BBBEE Level 1 group.
