Page 39 - Logistics News - Issue 02 - 2024

NEWS

New Multimodal Inland Port Association launched

A SIGNIFICANT milestone was reached in the South
African logistics sector with the recent launch of the
Multimodal Inland Port Association (MIPA) during the
Transport Forum online event on 23 May, 2024. The
event marked what many are calling the dawn of a rail
renaissance in the country.
MIPA addresses a critical need in South Africa’s
logistics landscape, which is increasingly grappling with
rising costs and severe congestion. The association
aims to act as the unified voice for inland ports across
the nation, focusing on promoting, supporting and
advocating for the increased movement of cargo
from road to rail. “Transporting more cargo by rail has
become an imperative, considering the growing cost of
logistics in South Africa. It is no longer just a nice-to-
have,” says Warwick Lord, MIPA Chairman. Warwick Lord, MIPA Chairman.
MIPA aims to reform the rail industry through private
investment, foster trade activities that meet social multimodal terminals can handle large amounts of
objectives and facilitate the crucial transfer of goods cargo continuously, allowing seaports to extend their
from road to rail. By optimising industrial and logistics cargo base, which is crucial given the increasing size of
activities through efficient multimodalism, logistics vessels.” Furthermore, inland ports provide significant
costs will be reduced and efficiency will be improved. dedicated logistics developments, proximity to rail
Formed by leading entities in the transportation and highways, ample truck parking and less traffic
sector, including the Cato Ridge Inland Port, Tambo congestion.
Springs Development Company, Portfutures, Autoforce, Lord says MIPA is dedicated to facilitating free trade
Mac Group, Cape Town Inland Port, the Cape Winelands and promoting sustainable practices. The association
Airport, the Musina Intermodal Terminal, RailRunner will support its members in complying with sustainable
South Africa and RailRunner Services, the association development goals and the SADC Vision 2050.
is committed to collaborating on best practices, Dr Juanita Maree, CEO of the South African
particularly through private sector participation (PSP). Association of Freight Forwarders (SAAFF), highlighted
It will work closely with government and state-owned the launch of MIPA: “Our logistics network is at a turning
enterprises. point, with more alignment across the country than ever
“We aim to create one voice for inland ports, driving before. By working together, we can achieve significant
workable multimodal solutions that deliver efficiency, advancements. It is crucial to continuously foster
cost reduction and much-needed resilience to the South dialogue, share insights and raise awareness to build a
African supply chain. By doing so, we can mitigate the sustainable supply chain for the future.”
impact of external shocks and ensure stability in the According to Lord, MIPA will aim to expand its
logistics sector,” says Lord. membership, encouraging more stakeholders to join
MIPA’s strategy to drive more cargo from road to and contribute to the conversation. “The business
rail includes using innovative multi-nodal technology community plays a vital role in developing and
and improving collaboration with other freight hubs and facilitating trade within the logistics and supply chain
stakeholders to optimise each supply chain link from a environment. We will lobby warehousing, transport
cost and efficiency perspective. and consulting businesses through these channels to
“Inland ports increase accessibility through join MIPA. We will also seek to include state-owned
long-distance transport corridors, leading to enterprises (SOEs) as they are significant players
lower distribution costs and improved capacity by nationally and globally, while fostering a close working
consolidating freight volumes,” explains Lord. “These environment with the government,” he concludes. •

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