Transnet backs rail line linking port to Gauteng

The launch of this main line marked the latest “crucial step” in preparations for the commercial launch of the Port of Ngqura and its container terminal next month, Transnet Freight Rail spokesman Sandile Simelane and Lunga Ngcobo, Transnet Port Terminals' spokesman, said in a joint statement this week.

The new rail route links the new port, which is based in Port Elizabeth, to the City Deep rail terminal in Gauteng.

The statement said Transnet had refurbished about 400 container wagons and would utilise its locomotive fleet for traffic on the line, which had a designed capacity of six trains per day.

The new marshalling yard infrastructure, it said, could accommodate up to six trains a day in each direction. The hinterland would have a design capacity of two trains a day, while the hinterland capacity would be increased as volumes rose, subject to financial viability.

The Port of Ngqura and its 60000ha container terminal represented Transnet's solution to SA's lack of container capacity due to the considerable growth in container traffic, the statement said.

To date, it said, Transnet had invested more than R10bn to develop the state-of-the-art port and associated infrastructure, which would boast the two-berth container terminal, a two-berth multipurpose terminal and a one berth liquid bulk terminal.

The new port's advantage over other ports in Africa was that it was a deep-water port with a depth of between 16m and 18m, which could accommodate the new-generation container vessels, which carried 6000 to 10000 6,1m equivalent units.

“This will enable Transnet to increase capacity for container volumes, and at the same time relieve container congestion in the South African port system, while attracting additional transshipment cargo,” the Transnet spokesmen said.

Source: Business Day

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