Transnet's rail improvements boost coal exports at Richards Bay Terminal

THERE is a marked improvement on the coal export rail line to Richards Bay Coal Terminal (RBCT), which said on Tuesday it was eyeing expanded export volumes, with Transnet attributing the improved shipments to implementation of solutions to end train delays, stoppages and inefficiencies.

- TAWANDA KAROMBO

Logistics logjams related to Transnet's rail constraints have been blamed for lower export performance by South African bulk miners although the freight rail operator has started to improve.

RBCT board chairperson, Nosipho Damasane, said they had sought to accelerate efficient movement of coal to the terminal pending finalisation of reforms for Transnet.

The terminal had joined hands with Transnet on implementation of short-term measures to short circuit challenges that were slowing down coal shipments for export.

"So we moved away from diagnosis of the problems to precision, and now we're moving into execution. And we really are looking into a very good working relationship with Transnet," said Damasane.

While installed terminal infrastructure has remained largely unchanged, including 10 yard machines and four ship-loaders, all currently operational, RBCT said changes in operating protocols and manpower deployment have improved flexibility and peak handling capacity.