Bunkering and waste disposal services operate 24/7

A call to the port often involves not just unloading and loading a vessel, but replenishment of its lubricant or fuel reserves. Bunkering services are run either by oil multinationals or independent medium-sized firms. Using special recycling facilities, waste disposal services look after disposal of fuel sludge, ship’s rubbish, wastewater and chemicals.

Ample supplies and equipment

Ship suppliers replenish stocks of food and beverages, deck and engine-room equipment, ropes, equipment for tackling emergencies at sea as well as other gear and spare parts for ocean-going ships. Most of them run stock warehouses in the immediate vicinity of the port. Link Ship Chandlers service the ports along The Cape, including Saldanha and Coega. Those known as general suppliers can provide the entire range of wares required in shipping – some of them with a range of over 20,000 articles, storage space covering several thousand square metres, and large vehicle fleets. This enables them to supply vessels very quickly. Some of them can also deliver material required for building or refitting ships in shipyards or can equip quayside facilities. Other suppliers specialize in specific categories, e.g. dry provisions, meat, sausages or electrical articles. Many of these ship chandling services are provided by single ship suppliers.