Transnet Freight Rail (TFR) has increased the number of trains serving the North Corridor, along which most of the coal volumes exported via the port of Richards Bay, in KwaZulu-Natal, are transported.
As part of a test trial, trains serving the coal line rose to 28 per week from 21 per week previously, supported by more locomotives.
As a result, since 31 March some 106,000 t have been moved from road to rail. In the process, around 3,100 truckloads were transported by train and 6,200 truck movements were eliminated.
The test initiative forms part of Transnet's recovery plan and a commitment made to the City of uMhlathuze and other stakeholders during a collaborative meeting on truck congestion at Richards Bay in November.
The main objective was to reduce truck loads and migrate volume from road to rail. An estimated 1,200 trucks a day call at Richards Bay, with 1mn t/month of thermal coal exported from the multipurpose and dry bulk terminals. A coal truck can delivery 34t on average, while a train wagon can carry 91t.
The local uMhlathuze municipality, which hosts the Richards Bay terminals, wants to impose a R30/t fee on trucks delivering coal to the port to alleviate congestion and recoup losses associated with damage to roads.
Prior to the test run, Transnet approached all customers who were transporting cargoes to the port of Richards Bay by truck.
The test was also aimed at enabling Transnet and potential rail customers to assess train loading capabilities and the rail friendliness of their cargo. The test focused on assessing: siding capabilities and readiness; cargo suitability for rail loading; status of the network; train handling times; and train turnaround times.
The initiative was offered to customers under the clear condition that it does not constitute a long-term commitment as there are structured processes that need to be followed for rail capacity to be allocated.
