17 INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2023 Ongoing severe decline in rail service in both north and south of the NCT area of jurisdiction. Port services at both ports continue to decline rapidly in tandem. Limited road truck availability due to high and everincreasing demand due to rail decline. A train derailment occurred within NCT BayFibre mill precinct mid-year. Various occurrences of stranded laden rail wagons in north and south due either to flood damage or rail damage (poor maintenance / cable theft et al.). Engagement at the highest level with Transnet authorities and support of Forestry South Africa (FSA) industry lobbying initiatives continue. Approval given for the establishment of a depot situated in Cato Ridge which NCT plans to use as a tactical sale point and holding depot. Contracting in of more road vehicle capacity wherever possible. A 120 000 tonne/annum Performance-Based Standard (PBS) abnormal vehicle contract was signed in the south to run back-to-back with NCT loading operations. More timber storage practiced on both farm and Vryheid East depots. The search continues for more appropriate depot facilities at tactical sites across the province. Vryheid East depot surface hardening and drainage improvement was executed to facilitate more efficient and extended timber storage. NCT engineers supported Transnet personnel during the repair of the BayFibre derailment damage in order to complete repairs without undue delay. Emergency advance payments were made to members whose wagons were delayed by Transnet for an inordinate time period. Critical challenges on the logistics front Ensuring that your timber gets to mill
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