Industry News

The EAC is committed to bridging the gap in railway infrastructure and services to meet future demand, by updating the EAC Railway Master Plan, harmonizing railway laws, standards, and regulations, and actively engaging in continental railway initiatives Railway transportation in East Africa is an integral component of a multimodal transport system that combines seaports and […]

Transnet Engineering (TE) has announced that it is seeking a partner to establish a company to lease rolling stock, including wagons and locomotives, to the market. The utility’s spokesperson, Ayanda Shezi, said in a statement that the establishment of a leasing company was in response to regional and local demand, and aligned with the parastatal’s […]

The Cape Corridor train tracks have halted operations due to damage obtained during a storm on the evening of March 24. Two sections of a single railway between Beaufort West and Worcester were impacted, resulting in the suspension of freight trains and delaying the Blue Train’s progress on the corridor. Transnet Freight Rail (TFR) teams […]

Industry organisation the Maritime Business Chamber has written an open letter to President Cyril Ramaphosa seeking to advise government on how the maritime sector can contribute to the country’s economic recovery. Chairperson Unathi Sonti writes that South Africa has, since 2013, been working on a strategy for the sector, including an integrated maritime development framework […]

Dronamics, the world’s first cargo drone airline with licence to operate in Europe, raised $40 million in pre-Series A funding from venture capital funds and angel investors from 12 countries. “This amount includes funds received from Founders Factory, Speedinvest, Eleven Capital, and most recently the Strategic Development Fund (SDF), the investment arm of the Tawazun […]

Angola, Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia, member countries of Southern African Development Community (SADC), have signed the Lobito Corridor Transit Transport Facilitation Agency (LCTTFA). The LCTTFA Agreement aims to provide an effective and efficient route that facilitates the transportation of goods within territories between the three Corridor Member States, through harmonisation of policies, laws […]

Transnet wants to outsource the running of its container corridor between Johannesburg and Durban for 20 years. It doesn’t have the money to make the business work, Transnet says, even though it believes trains can compete with trucks. A partner will need at least R5.5 billion available to put into the likes of the City […]

Du Ruogang, the Managing Director of Lekki Port LFTZ Enterprise Limited, said that the new port is a game-changer that will change the way maritime activities are done in Nigeria and the whole West African sub-region. The facility was officially opened in Nigeria in January 2023 and is intended to help the nation with its […]

The Ministers responsible for Transport and Corridor Development from Angola, Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia with support and coordination of the Secretariat of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) will sign the Lobito Corridor Transit Transport Facilitation Agency (LCTTFA) Agreement at Lobito Port, Province of Benguela, Angola, on the 27th January 2023. Lobito Corridor […]

MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company and Maersk have decided to part ways and mutually agreed to terminate, effective January 2025, the present 2M alliance. In a joint statement, CEO Vincent Clerc of AP Moller – Maersk, and CEO Soren Toft of MSC, said: “MSC and Maersk recognise that much has changed since the two companies signed […]

South Africa is forging ahead with plans to mitigate its energy supply crisis amid continuing rolling blackouts. And now electricity will be even more expensive after the National Energy Regulator of South Africa granted Eskom a 18.65% tariff hike. But while this is playing out, the Transnet National Ports Authority plans to establish a liquefied […]

South Africa’s vehicle export sales are rising in double digits but remain below pre-Covid-19 levels. This is according to Naamsa/The Automotive Business Council’s latest data, highlighted in the Bureau for Economic Research’s Weekly Review on Monday. Naamsa data showed that domestic vehicle sales rose by 16.2% year on year (in December, up by 13.9% from […]

The Minerals Council South Africa called for the replacement of Transnet’s senior management before the employer body and the parastatal agree on a way forward to confront the sector’s concerns about the country’s rail and port performance. This has emerged in a News 24 report which cited a letter, allegedly signed by Minerals Council chairperson […]

Anew interim truck staging area (ITSA) at the Cape Town port, rolled out in two phases, is now fully operational, says the Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA). The facility, located alongside Duncan road, aims to serve as an overflow waiting area in instances where the operational terminals have reached full capacity and can no longer […]

South Africa’s State-owned port and rail company Transnet proposed switching to diesel trains to avoid disruptions to coal exports caused by the theft of power cables that disable electric locomotives. At least 1 500 km of cable was stolen in the current financial year, according to Transnet CEO Portia Derby. That’s compounded delays to exports […]

State-owned rail companies the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) and Transnet Freight Rail (TFR) have both welcomed the six-month ban on the trade of scrap metal as government seeks to limit damage to infrastructure and the economy. As of December 2, the export of scrap metal will be banned for six months while […]

The launch in South Africa of Scania’s battery electric vehicles (BEV) promises to open the door to the electrified transport landscape for many progressive customers. Electric trucks hold the potential to reinvigorate South Africa’s transport industry. Not only do they provide the solution to the damage fossil fuels are inflicting on the environment, but they […]

Transnet Freight Rail (TFR) has lifted the force majeure imposed on the export coal line following the derailment of a fully laden coal train two weeks ago. TFR announced in a statement on Friday that it had lifted the force majeure, which it declared on the line on November 10, after critical restoration work had […]

African countries’ investment in regional value chains is “key to accelerating” their manufacturing industries and “improving the resilience of economies to the impacts of global crises”. That’s according to a report released yesterday in Lisbon by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). “African regional value chains contribute less than 3% (2.7%) to global […]

Alstom, global leader in smart and green mobility, has signed a framework agreement with National Authority of Tunnels (NAT), to design, build and maintain the Cairo Metro line 6 at the COP 27. The construction of Cairo Metro Line 6 is part of Egypt’s plans to increase and improve public transport capacity and passenger experience […]

Drewry has warned shippers that decarbonisation of the global shipping industry could result in up to $14 billion in extra costs. The maritime consultancy believes that many of the world’s largest importers and exporters are insufficiently informed about the full implications of the forthcoming new emissions regulations and the billions of dollars that will be […]

South Africa’s transport sector has contributed significantly to an unexpected boost in manufacturing production, the Bureau for Economic Research (BER) noted in its Weekly Review on Monday. The BER said that according to the latest data released by Statistics SA, manufacturing production had risen by a surprising 2.9% year on year (y-o-y) in September, following […]

Morocco and the European Investment Bank (EIB) on Wednesday signed an agreement on financing the North African country’s rail infrastructure renewal, official news agency MAP reported. The loan totalling 200 million U.S. dollars will support Morocco’s national rail operator ONCF in renewing and modernizing the existing 2,300-km rail network, the MAP report said. It will […]

With 38 of its 54 states being coastal or island states, it is no surprise that Africa is home to over 100 port facilities, including massive terminals in Durban, Port Elizabeth and Cape Town in the south, and Mombasa and Dar es Salaam in the east, and Lagos in the west. 90% of Africa’s imports […]

Durban Container Terminals (DCT) has partnered with transport logistics associations to confront the backlogs in the port following the strike by dockworkers last month. Transnet announced in a statement late on Thursday that the port had partnered with four associations representing more than 300 trucking companies in an effort to clear current backlogs. These include […]

A panel of experts break down the state of railway safety report for 2021/22. The panel members will provide an analysis of operational occurrences and security-related incidents. They will also identifying the main areas of concern to enable the regulator and operators to develop strategic interventions. Courtesy of CNBC Africa – Full Video 

Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) captain, Thokozani Mthethwa, says collaboration, or “co-opetition” is one of the ways the continent will achieve the goals set out in the 2050 Strategy. “Each port has its own master plans and Port Development Framework Plans to adequately respond to and plan for future growth. These plans guide how capacity […]

ArcelorMittal’s acquisition of the Highveld mill aims to supply railway resurgence in South Africa. GIVEN significant potential to modernise and expand the rail network in South Africa and elsewhere in Africa, steps are being taken to revive the former Highveld Structural Mill which was the sole producer of mainline rail in sub-Saharan Africa. The facility, […]

Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) says the Onne Port Complex is the fastest growing port in Nigeria. Mohammed Bello-Koko, managing director, NPA, said this at a press briefing in Abuja, on Tuesday. He said the port is now active, not just in terms of importation, but also in terms of exports. “Ports of Tin Can, Onne, […]

State-owned logistics company Transnet is to receive its first cash injection from the fiscus in decades as it battles to recover from flood damage and a shortage of locomotives due to contractual problems with manufacturers. Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana announced R5.8 billion of support for Transnet in the Medium-term Budget Policy Statement. The money is […]

Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) is ready to welcome thousands of international tourists to South Africa’s shores through their commercial and seaports as the 2022/23 Cruise Season kicks off. This season is expected to attract more tourists as the global COVID-19 regulations and restrictions have eased. Approximately 239 cruise ship call-ins are expected between October […]

Mozambique has announced plans to commence with the construction of a new port immediately north of Xai-Xai, about 215 kilometres north of Maputo on the EN1 highway. The Port of Chongoene will be almost solely responsible for outflows from a heavy-sands project at Chibuto, just over 50 kilometres to the northwest interior. Rádio Moçambique reported […]

Steel producer ArcelorMittal South Africa (AMSA) on October 20 launched its newly acquired ArcelorMittal Rail and Structures (AMRAS) facility. This follows the successful acquisition of the former Highveld Structural Mill in eMalahleni, a transaction which was effective from August. The official launch of the AMRAS facility was presided over by Trade, Industry and Competition Minister […]

SE-listed group Sasol and ArcelorMittal South Africa (AMSA) have announced a joint development agreement to advance studies into two potential green-economy projects, including the potential production of green hydrogen in Saldanha Bay, which could be used to produce green steel. The two companies will also pursue a Vaal carbon capture and utilisation (CCU) study, whereby renewable electricity and green […]

The Coega Development Corporation has outlined progress made by the Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone (Tasez) project, which includes job creation, training opportunities as well as opportunities for small businesses. “Since the start of the construction process, 4 848 direct jobs and 1 225 indirect jobs have been created. Currently, 11 factories have been constructed, […]

MSC subsidiary Terminal Investment Limited (TIL) has been awarded the concession to run the Walvis Bay container terminal. This was announced on Friday at a media conference by Namport CEO Andrew Kanime. Based in Geneva, Switzerland, MSC has interests in more than 60 terminals in 31 countries across five continents, and handles at least 60 […]

Bridging the gap between transport and energy sectors by reducing the reliance on fossil fuels and investing in cleaner modes of transport is critical for the creation of safer and more sustainable cities in Africa. This is according to private and public stakeholders from the continent and beyond who gathered at industry event Transport Evolution […]

In total R110.49 billion worth of exports and R99.96 billion worth of imports were processed via the Port of Cape Town in 2021, totalling R210.45 billion. This is according to a research report presented at a seminar with stakeholders from across the entire port logistics value chain and hosted by the Department of Economic Development […]

The Government of Cabo Verde, the European Union and the African Development Bank, with Team Europe members France, Luxembourg, Portugal, Spain, the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the German development bank KfW, inaugurated a modernised port on the island of Maio yesterday. This project is part of a wider extension of port infrastructure across the […]

Transnet National Ports Authority’s board has approved the parastatal’s plans to expand KwaZulu-Natal ports as part of a more-than-R100-billion new provincial logistics hub development project. TNPA director of the KZN Logistics Hub, Dr Bridgette Gasa-Toboti, said in a statement that the approval had set in motion subsequent governance processes that would now be undertaken by […]

South African companies are increasingly looking to expand abroad as opportunities at home dry up – but inefficiencies at ports are limiting exports growth. The 8th PwC South Africa Economic Outlook said supply chain disruptions were among the factors driving local companies to seek mergers and acquisitions abroad. South Africa’s economic growth rate slowed to […]

Transnet Freight Rail (TFR) has received several applications for slots on both its rail corridors after the parastatal issued an open invitation to businesses to apply to buy slots to operate across the country’s rail network. “TFR is happy to note that it has received applications for its slot sales on both its key corridors, […]

Fuel supply drying up because of theft and vandalism, the passenger rail network collapsing due to rampant crime, cable theft and massive income loss all make for a dire picture that emerged at the Economic Sabotage of Critical Infrastructure Roundtable in Johannesburg. According to Transnet CEO Portia Derby, the logistics utility’s pipeline network recorded 118 […]

The Bureau of Public Service Reform (BPSR) has urged the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) to enhance the automation of its documentation and payment processes to create ease of doing business at the nation’s ports. The Director-General of BPSR, Dr Dasuki Arabi, made the call in Abuja, at the 2022 edition of BPSR Lunch Time Seminar […]

Local container shipments for export declined by 17.5% year-on-year during the second quarter of the year as port activity was impacted by international supply chain disruptions, load-shedding and flooding in KwaZulu-Natal, PwC South Africa’s ‘South Africa Economic Outlook’ report for 2022 states. In the eighth edition of the ‘South Africa Economic Outlook’, the firm focused […]

The Ghana government has signed a 25-years contract with South African company, Thelo DB Consortium to develop and operationalize the 299km Western Railway Line, according to a statement from the company. The statement issued last week indicated that the consortium (consisting of Thelo DB and Transtech Consult Limited) signed a Rail Management Agreement with the […]

Minister of Home Affairs Aaron Motsoaledi’s decision to terminate the Zimbabwean Exemption permit at the end of 2022 will disrupt the logistics sector in the short term and hit employers financially. This is the view of Road Freight Association CEO Gavin Kelly following the department of home affairs move to oppose a Pretoria High Court […]

Until a year ago, crossing the Zambezi River between Botswana and Zambia was a slow and congested affair. For trucks moving along a key transport corridor, stretching from Lubumbashi in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to Durban, South Africa, the river was an obstacle without an elegant solution. Vehicles would load onto a pontoon, […]

Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) is looking into setting up water desalination plants at eight major ports along South Africa’s coastline. Transnet has major plans for South Africa’s ports, wanting to spend R44 billion on critical infrastructure upgrades over the next five years. The country’s rail, port, and pipeline company is also looking to renewable sources of […]

Major port and logistic companies from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, China and Europe, as well local players like Grindrod, and the Johann Rupert-chaired Remgro have made the shortlist of private partners for Transnet’s R100 billion upgrade to the crucial Durban port. This followed a request for information by Transnet last year to gauge interest from […]

The African Rail Industry Association comments on the backlog in maintenance expenditure at Transnet which could affect its locomotives in future. Transnet has reported a profit of R5 billion, up from a loss of R8 billion in the 2021 financial year. The results include a revaluation of the company’s Investment Property portfolio of R10bn. If […]

South African coal exporter Thungela Resources on Thursday said it had agreed to amend a long-term haulage contract with Transnet after the state-owned rail operator declared force majeure in April. Transnet declared force majeure and sought to terminate long-term coal transportation agreements in April, saying large-scale theft of copper cables, insufficient maintenance and a shortage […]

The Unit Value Indices (UVI) for exported and imported commodities both increased by 8.5% in June, with ores and mineral exports and crude petroleum imports being the main contributors to the annual escalation, according to the latest data released by Statistics South Africa (SSA) on Thursday. SSA reported that the UVI for imported commodities showed […]

Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan and her Zambian counterpart, Haikande Hichilema, have agreed to upgrade the cross-border railway connecting the two countries to speed up economic progress as part of a broader push to strengthen ties. The decision to revive the Tanzania and Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA) was reached last week in the port city […]

South Africa’s State-owned freight logistics group Transnet has shortlisted ten respondents for private sector participation in the Durban Container Terminal Pier 2 (DCT2), in KwaZulu-Natal, and a further four for the Ngqura Container Terminal (NCT), in the Eastern Cape. The shortlisted companies, which were identified during a two-step qualification process first initiated in 2021, will […]

A new logistics park will be built in Durban as part of the R15-billion new city, Westown, in Shongweni in the Outer West region of the city. The developers, Fundamentum Property Group, broke ground for the first 100-hectare phase of the 2 000-hectare catalytic Shongweni Urban Development on Thursday. The urban mixed-use development aims to […]

South Africa and Botswana have agreed to fund the improvement and extension of rail links between the countries in a bid to boost trade and better connect Botswana to export markets, South African state-owned logistics firm Transnet said on Friday. Transnet Freight Rail (TFR) will collaborate with Botswana Rail (BR) to fix parts of the […]

Abu Dhabi-based ports and logistics giant AD Ports Group and India’s largest private ports and logistics company, Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ) have signed a memorandum of understanding for strategic joint investments in Tanzania. The deal will see investments in end-to-end logistics infrastructure and solutions such as rail, maritime services, port operations, digital […]

TRANSNET National Ports Authority (TNPA) has issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) seeking to identify experienced developers to design, fund and build a new deep-water port at Boegoebaai in the Northern Cape province of South Africa, and a new 550km railway to connect it to mining and industrial centres. Responses to the RFQ must be […]

August is Women’s Month in South Africa and Transport Evolution Africa Forum & Expo is celebrating and honouring the industry’s trailblazers who are achieving career success, shattering glass ceilings, and opening doors for other women by encouraging everyone to nominate a deserving nominee to be honoured at Women in Transport Awards on the 29  September […]

To coincide with Women’s Month, the Transport Evolution Africa Forum & Expo is calling for nominations for the Women in Transport Awards that will be held on September 29. This will be the 5th annual Women in Transport Awards (Wita) which aim to recognise and celebrate the success of women who are transforming the face […]

Transnet is forging ahead with several property developments, including a new deepwater port and rail network to serve the country’s proposed new Boegoebaai hydrogen production hub and mines in the Northern Cape. Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) on Thursday issued a Request for Qualification (RFQ) for the development of the new port and associated rail […]

South Africa’s Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) has initiated a preliminary process for the proposed development of a new deep-water port at Boegoebaai in the far Northern Cape near the Namibian border, which has been earmarked as a possible hub for the production and export of green hydrogen and derivative products. The State-owned port landlord […]

Despite bulk mineral exports being State-owned Transnet’s single biggest client base, South Africa is unable to access the full benefits of minerals exports, Minerals Council South Africa CEO Roger Baxter told delegates attending the first day of the South African Heavy Haul Association (SAHHA) 2022 conference on August 2. He said it had been a […]

Revitalising South Africa’s rail infrastructure is necessary to ensure that it is a reliable, available, competitive and efficient mode of transport, allowing users to capitalise on the sector’s being safer, more reliable and low carbon emitting, says rolling stock manufacturing company Alstom business development director Makgola Makololo. She says South Africa has a well-developed rail […]

The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (Sanral) has announced that there will be road closures on the N3 from July 12-14 due to blasting construction work. Sanral said in a statement that the temporary road closures would be implemented in both directions between the Umlaas Road Interchange and the Cato Ridge Interchange. This […]

BY F. AJIBOLA DALLEY In May 2013 at the 50th anniversary of the African Union, in affirmation of their commitment to forging a new path for inclusive and sustainable growth and development, heads of state and governments of African nations signed the 50th Anniversary Solemn Declaration. The declaration represented Africa’s commitment toward a pan-African vision […]

From breath-taking beauty, to sun-soaked coasts; from wildlife to active adventure; from vibrant urban energy to the incredible warmth and cultural diversity of our people – South Africa is a traveller’s dream.

To create a transformed and sustainable world-class ports system, Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) has launched its new operational model (OM) structure so that it may “stimulate a transformed maritime economy through adaptable infrastructure that is fit-for-purpose”.

The port cities of Cape Town, Mossel Bay, Gqeberha, Durban and Richards Bay are scheduled to receive 20 passenger vessels during the cruise season, from November to the end of May, State-owned Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) said on November 24.

African mobility fintech, Moove has announced a partnership with e-logistics company, Lori Systems to bridge the financing gap for Africa’s trucking and logistics industry. The partnership will focus on delivering access to affordable financing for transporter companies and individual drivers, where penetration for truck financing is lower than one percent.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has released its September 2021 data for global air cargo markets. The data shows that demand continues to be well above pre-crisis levels and that capacity constraints persist.

With agricultural bulk commodities such as maize, wheat and soya beans re-emerging as a major focus for the Durban Agribulk Terminal, an investment of more than R230-million has resulted in the acquisition of two ship unloaders.

Several months ago, I warned that the crisis in container ships could jeopardise Christmas by leaving retailers without enough goods on their shelves. Since then, there have been similar fears all over the media, not only due to shipping problems but also shortages of lorry drivers and unavailable products. As we approach November, the worst may be coming to the worst.

The harbour and offshore services industry should consider ramping up their services to ships passing the South African coast, to about 10% of the total passing traffic, where every ship serviced has a minimum spend of about $10 000, says independent tug and offshore vessel operator Offshore Maritime Services GM Godfrey Needham.

Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) has appointed Nompumelelo Dweba-Kwetana as the new manager of the Port of Durban.

South Africa has the best rail infrastructure in Africa. However, rail (freight and passenger) and port capacity shortages remain a severe constraint in domestic and regional trade, even in the currently constrained business environment.

The South African Government views the country’s ports and terminals as key engines for economic growth. South Africa is situated on one of the busiest international sea routes‚ critical to international maritime transportation‚ and its geographical location presents a huge opportunity for investing in a diversified maritime market.

South African Airways (SAA), which returned to the skies last week after an 18-month hiatus, is signing a memorandum of cooperation with Kenya Airways with a long-term goal of creating a pan-African airline group.

The South African government’s proposed structural reforms to the rail sector, which will see private rail operators operating on the country’s core rail network, will breathe new life into an industry that is currently under severe pressure, says industry body African Rail Industry Association (Aria).

Imperial Logistics (Imperial) and Sasol South Africa (Sasol) have entered into an agreement to collaborate in exploring options and solutions for improving freight sustainability and efficiency in southern Africa. The two companies will also be evaluating potential cross-border collaboration.

More than 150 maritime logistics roleplayers, representing the entire maritime value chain, including shipping, cargo, energy, finance, ports and infrastructure, have said that the full decarbonisation of international shipping is urgent and achievable.

According to the latest Ctrack Freight Transport Index, the overall logistics sector continues to show huge growth with year-on-year increases of 26.4 percent.

Growing transshipments and improving new-vehicle exports from South Africa have seen the Durban Car Terminal set a new record in August, with the facility handling 54 520 fully-built units in a single month.

The current target date for allowing third-party operators to participate in the rail-freight sector is August next year, says Dr Sean Phillips, head of the National Treasury’s Operation Vulindlela unit.

Ports and logistics operator Grindrod is positioning itself to take part in the private-sector participation (PSP) opportunities to be created by government in the rail and ports sectors, says Grindrod Freight Services CEO Xolani Mbambo.

A new initiative championed by the Commercial Transport Academy (CTA) will aim to empower almost a thousand women in the transport sector.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced that the Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) will become an independent subsidiary of Transnet.

A new era in trade and export has begun and the traders, logistics operators and ports of KwaZulu-Natal are in pole position to take up new opportunities. Not only is the province strategically located on the Indian Ocean but it already has excellent infrastructure which is being upgraded and improved.

Last week, I visited the Port of Durban to see for myself the work being done to make the port more efficient and competitive.

The President of the Republic of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo says the development of the railway sector is at the heart of government and it is for this reason that government is mobilizing $2 billion (two billion dollars) for the development of railway infrastructure and services.

Grindrod aims to have its logistics hub in Palma, in northern Mozambique, “up and running” by the end of the first half of this year, says Grindrod Freight Services CEO Xolani Mbambo.

State-owned Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) has appointed the Coega Development Corporation (CDC) as an implementation agent for a construction programme to ensure the Ngqura liquid bulk terminal is operational before the Port of Port Elizabeth liquid bulk facility is closed on December 31, 2021.

The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport has published its priority projects, valued at R23-billion, for delivery in the next ten years as part of its contribution to an infrastructure-led economic recovery.

Since April 2019, the IMO has made it a mandatory requirement for ports to implement systems for electronic data exchange of pre-arrival maritime information.

Is it too soon to be optimistic about an economic revival in East Africa following the devastating impact of COVID-19 on the global economy?

The Coega Development Corporation (CDC), developer and operator of the Coega Special Economic Zone (SEZ), announced that it welcomes the move by Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) to relocate its head office to the Port of Ngqura

DURBAN is to be developed as a hub port for the southern hemisphere and Ngqura port in the Eastern Cape as the container terminal of choice.

The African Rail Industry Association rail infrastructure has been a neglected area of infrastructure investment for decades, lagging behind areas such as energy.

THE GOVERNMENT has committed R791.2 billion over the medium term towards infrastructure investment, as the country’s dams, bridges and railway lines that have supported the economy for decades, were either in need of repair or replacement, Finance Minister Tito Mboweni said yesterday.

Last week, President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered his State of the Nation Address (SONA) for 2021 against the backdrop of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Transport Evolution series of events bring together transport authorities (port, rail and road) from across the African continent, as well as public and private sector industry experts with the purpose of identifying opportunities, understanding challenges, finding solutions and ultimately doing business. Our events are hosted in each country by that particular port and rail […]

The Halifax Port Authority is taking a major step forward in digitalisation of their operations. They have awarded Saab a contract to supply a Port Management Information System (PMIS). The system will streamline port operations, allowing port departments, 80 service providers, customers and other members of the port community to further improve their collaboration.

A new report launched today by the World Bank and the International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH) shows that better digital collaboration between private and public entities across the maritime supply chain will result in significant efficiency gains, safer and more resilient supply chains, and lower emissions.

The Economic Regulation of Transport Bill, which details the framework for the envisaged regulator, is currently before Parliament.

Ghana has taken delivery of sub-Saharan Africa’s first offshore receiving terminal for liquefied natural gas (LNG), allowing it to start delivering LNG to customers in the first quarter of this year, the terminal’s operator said.

Dubai-based port operator DP World has signed a 20-year concession agreement with the Angolan Government to run the Multipurpose Terminal (MPT) at the Port of Luanda, Angola’s largest port.

Two Chinese companies have signed an agreement to construct a railway line in Tanzania to connect its main port to neighbouring countries.

The French Minister for Foreign Trade and Attractiveness reiterated from Casablanca France’s strong desire to raise its economic relations with Morocco to an even higher level and to exploit the many existing opportunities.

In a landmark ceremony, held under the auspices of HE President of the Republic of Djibouti, Ismail Omar Guelleh, Djibouti inaugurated the regeneration project to turn the Historical Port of Djibouti into an international business district.

Mninawe Silinga has resigned as CEO of the Coega Development Corporation (CDC) to join Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) as CE.

State-owned freight utility Transnet says a R10-million refurbishment on a second railway line into the Port of Port Elizabeth’s (PE’s) container terminal is unlocking substantial business potential for the Eastern Cape.

The latest batch of new operational equipment has been delivered to the Transnet Port Terminals. Transnet said on Monday that the latest batch included 15 haulers for the Durban Multipurpose Terminal (MPT) and Ngqura Container Terminal (NCT), each receiving seven and eight haulers respectively.

Virtually every port in Sub-Saharan Africa has embarked on elaborate initiatives to boost relatively low capacity, as demand for cargo handling is expected to soar in the coming years with the growth of their economies. It’s already estimated that the overall container demands in these ports is expected to exceed the current total capacity between 2025 and 2030.

Transport infrastructure, particularly railways, will play a crucial role in realising the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement. According to the African Union (AU), the agreement has the potential to create a continental free-trade zone with a combined Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of USD$3.4 trillion. That said, it will require solid, reliable transport infrastructure for that to become a reality.

The revitalisation of Durban’s Point Waterfront is at the heart of eThekwini Municipality’s radical initiative to redevelop and regenerate the inner city.

The end of an era is fast approaching and after 2021 the FCA will no longer require from LIBOR panel banks to publish quotes for the various LIBOR tenors.

Transport Evolution World speaks to Lester Bouah, newly appointed Senior Specialist of Investment Promotion and Aftercare at the World Bank Group’s International Finance Corporation.

State-owned freight logistics group Transnet has signalled its intention to support the localisation of rail manufacture, but is simultaneously proceeding with a global tender for the supply of 60 kg a metre of head hardened rail, which it describes as an interim solution for meeting its continuous replacement requirements.

A flagship project of the African Union’s Agenda 2063, the African Continental Free Trade Area creates a market of 1.2 billion people with a combined GDP of $3 trillion.

Tanger Med port has improved its international ranking becoming the 35th container port in the world, confirming thus its competitiveness as global logistic hub.

Since Africa is home to many developing countries, including 16 which are landlocked, it is faced with immense pressure to improve its connectivity to global trade.

Work is set to begin on the expansion of the port of Abidjan in the Côte d’Ivoire after an agreement was signed between French logistics company Bolloré, Dutch port operator APM Terminals, and China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC), the contractor that will carry out the work.

The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has disclosed that the state will develop a rail infrastructure to complement the world-class bus terminal which is under construction to shuttle air passengers to and from the airport terminal

The corporate governance principles contained in King IV (King Code) are in general voluntary. However, from 31 December 2020, organisations will be compelled to disclose additional information regarding corporate governance practices in their annual reports.

The South African National Roads Agency Limited (Sanral) says it is ready to implement R30-billion worth of construction projects.

Terminal operator Transnet Port Terminals (TPT) recently awarded a contract to global technology company TATA Consultancy Services (TCS) to develop a logistics platform that will enable the company and the broader industry to integrate into the logistics supply chain.

In April Transnet Port Terminals said its port utilities were only half as busy during the coronavirus lockdown due to slump in demand.

The government is assessing the planned multi-billion rand expansion of the Gautrain rapid rail project in terms of its new infrastructure development methodology and is in the process of engaging with stakeholders about the project.

The government of Kenya through the state-owned Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) plans to undertake an Sh10.78 billion Kiambu to Thika road upgrade project that will see the upgrade of 62-kilometers of road connecting Kiambu road and Thika superhighway at B30/A2.

Kelly Easton, Programme Director at Transport Evolution speaks to the Secretary General of PMAESA, Col Andrea Ciseau on the current status of East African ports and the impact of Covid-19 on the sector.

Kelly Easton, Programme Director at Transport Evolution speaks to the Managing Director of the Port of Antwerp International, Kristof Waterschoot on how ports internationalise their knowledge and experience.

Transnet Engineering and Caminhos De Ferros De Mocambique (CFM), a Mozambican state owned railway operator signed a rolling stock supply agreement valued at over R400 million as part of efforts to strengthen regional integration and the revitalization of the Mozambique railway industries. At the heart of this agreement is the manufacture, supply and delivery of 300 high- sided Gondola type freight wagons to CFM.

Covid-19 was declared as a global pandemic by the World Health Organisation on 11th March 2020, with nations all over the world taking extreme measures to contain or delay the spread of the virus.

The African shipping and maritime sectors have largely remained undeveloped compared to the rest of the world, despite hosting mineral rich-countries that the industrialized world depends on to run its industries.

The University of Pretoria (UP) and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), an entity of the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI), have signed a memorandum of agreement to collaborate in the areas of smart transport, cities and environments.

Higher levels of infrastructure investment are needed to increase South Africa’s potential growth, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development’s (OECD’s) latest survey of South Africa asserts.

The Durban Container Terminal (DCT) Pier 2 has taken delivery of a further 13 electric straddle carriers, improving the availability and reliability of equipment across waterside, landside and rail operations.

Urban rail on the continent is vital in providing a very efficient alternative to transporting large volumes of passengers and freight at high frequencies and reasonable cost. Rallying with this notion, Ghana has embarked on intense rehabilitation and development of its national rail network.

Prior to the COVID-19 crisis, of the 1,339 million people employed by the South African construction industry, only 11% were female. While the number of men still far exceeds that of women in the sector, female representation in the construction industry has increased by 7% over the past decade. Similarly, in the sub-Saharan African transport industry, only 8% of employees are female – a number which is steadily increasing as the years go by, albeit slowly. Nevertheless, these are welcome changes.

The national government of the Republic of Kenya through the Ministry of Transport, Infrastructure, Housing, Urban Development and Public Works represented by the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), a state corporation established under the Kenya Roads Act and charged with the mandate to manage, develop, rehabilitate and maintain national roads is in search of a consultancy firm for the ongoing Nairobi Expressway Project.

Business for South Africa (B4SA) released an economic recovery strategy paper on July 10 that includes a list of 12 priority initiatives, many infrastructure-related, which the formation argues could bolster gross domestic product (GDP) by R1-trillion, create up to 1.5-million jobs and increase yearly tax revenues by R100-billion in the coming three years.

The executive secretary of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), has proposed to African heads of state that trading under this framework starts in January 2021, according to an official.

Newly appointed Transnet Port Terminals (TPT) CEO Velile Dube, who officially assumed the role on July 1, acknowledges that his first few weeks were nothing short of a “baptism of fire”.

Transnet Freight Rail (TFR) has introduced a new operating model that will bring about greater efficiencies for customers, it says.

South Africa’s citrus industry body is hopeful for an end to the issues that have plagued the
country’s ports over recent years now that the port operator has appointed a new chief.

Transport Evolution World recently organised the second episode of its new online series, “Coffee With the CEO”, this time exploring the rail industry in Ghana.

The foundation stone has been laid for the construction of a US$20m inland port in Tanzania.

South Africa hosts approximately one million delegates at business events every year, supporting over 250,000 jobs directly and indirectly. But with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, events have come to a standstill, affecting both the economy and the people they employ.

APEC, the educational branch of Port of Antwerp, is organising port seminars and online port courses for port professionals all over the world.

With African nations seeing a record growth rate of 5% over the past decade CMA CGM has turned its focus to the continent for investment. Some of the key focuses for CMA CGM are the digital transformation in the continent, the increase in shipping traffic in Africa and transport services in the African market.

Signature of Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of the Republic of Ghana, Thelo DB Proprietary Limited and Transtech Consult Limited for development, project management, operations and maintenance of regional railway corridors and networks in the Republic of Ghana.

The Port of Cape Town is ramping up operations and reducing shipping backlogs caused by the impact of Covid-19 on the port’s human resources.

Transnet Port Terminals (TPT) has prepared for a 13% increase in citrus volumes this year, with new equipment being set up to boost operations at the Port Elizabeth, Durban and Ngqura container terminals.

The concerns over the impact of the shipping industry on the environment have intensified over the last few years with numerous initiatives being undertaken by various stakeholders.

The turmoil in the shipping and financial markets since 2008 has resulted in a significant decrease in funds available for borrowing and has led shipping companies to seek alternative methods of financing for the acquisition of vessels such as the sale and leaseback option.

Trade and mobility have defined Africa from time immemorial. When Mansa Musa roamed the continent in his famous trade caravans, his exploits represented a beacon of prosperity and progress to the rest of the world.

NAMIBIA’s new container terminal situated in the coastal town of Walvis Bay has placed the country in a more competitive position as it can now accommodate larger vessels, making it a preferred destination by many countries.

Government has signed a historic €500 million contract for the construction of sections of the Western Railway Line.

The Minister of Railway Development, Joe Ghartey has revealed that the Ministry will be ordering over 30 standard gauge trains in June this year.

Ocean trade which dominates 90 percent of African imports is tasting the success of digitalisation due to pandemic.

The World Bank Group advises ports to rapidly increase their digitalisation efforts over the short to medium term – one to six months – in an effort to reduce the frequency of people- and paper-based contact, says World Bank Group global lead for transport connectivity and regional integration, Martin Humphreys.

South Africa’s government unveiled a plan to galvanise R2.3 trillion in new infrastructure investment over the next decade that could create more than 1.8 million jobs and revive an economy battered by the coronavirus pandemic.

Namibia will continue to keep its ports and harbours open to facilitate the free movement of commercial goods to its landlocked neighbours and beyond.

Logistics gateways and transportation corridors are by far the best formula for success in Africa.
This is according to American-based transport and logistics specialist Franco Eleuteri who says that intermodal rail can provide the backbone of a plan focused on economic development on the continent.

The Department of Transport (DoT) intends to take over the functioning of struggling integrated public transport networks (IPTNs) in five cities, with six cities currently operating these systems, says Department of Transport director-general Alec Moemi.

Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) administrator Bongisizwe Mpondo on May 29 announced new permanent executive appointments to the State-owned rail entity.

As African ports pursue technological innovation to boost trade, new cybersecurity risks will emerge.

The Cayman Islands continues to be recognised globally as a major international financial centre. Being the world’s leading domicile for offshore hedge funds, the second largest captive insurance centre and a world leader in structured finance, the jurisdiction stands as the only offshore international financial centre to possess such breadth and depth in financial services.

Many businesses around the globe are facing significant financial challenges due to COVID-19. Disruption in the global supply chain, mandatory quarantine/lockdowns, and significant increases in unemployment rates are contributing to changes in consumption patterns, thereby causing cash flow issues for many businesses.

It started as a very promising year for Africa. Having officially inaugurated a landmark continental agreement, the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA, in July 2019, following a record time for its ratification, and having selected Ghana to host the Secretariat of the African AfCFTA, expectations were high for a successful start of intra-African trading in July 2020, accelerating regional integration and economic development for the continent of 1.3 billion people, with its estimated GDP of $2.5 trillion.

Industry stakeholders have expressed satisfaction with the progress made by a special task team set up to tackle traffic pressure and congestion in the Port of Durban’s Bayhead Precinct and surrounding road networks

U.S. President Donald Trump’s sparring with China is playing out in an unlikely new arena: the sandy turf of northern Mozambique, one of the world’s poorest countries.

As the world is getting to a new order, some countries are now working out how to get back into business as usual (BAU). In Australia, the decisions around the opening up of the economy are arguably more difficult than those preceeding the shut down.

Covid 19 has struck South Africa and exposed weaknesses in our healthcare system, compromised our economy and negatively impacted our retail sector. As TPT we take it upon ourselves to change the course of our countries trajectory. As an essential service provider, we continue to transport health supplies and retail products through our container sector […]

Port concessionaires under the aegis of the Seaport Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria (STOAN) have collectively donated the sum of N700million to the federal government to support the country’s effort to curtail the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). STOAN Chairman, Vicky Haastrup, who disclosed this in Lagos, said no effort should be spared towards […]

According to local media reports, the newly elected Secretary-General of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) secretariat, Wamkele Mene, revealed that the implementation of the AfCFTA agreement will not begin on July 1st, 2020 as planned due to disruptions caused by the global pandemic.

Despite South Africa having a strong presence on the railway scene – claiming almost 30% of the continent’s kilometres and more than 60% of its rail freight – the country’s rail manufacturing sector has not leveraged this position to lead in the manufacturing of rolling stock on the continent, says RailRoad Association of South Africa […]

Kenya is currently going through a bruising cycle. From the sporadic inflation movement in 2019, to the current Covid-19 pandemic that is yet to fully show its full impact on not only the local economy but also that of the continent and globe at large. Already, unemployment is on the rise, and the economy is […]

Transnet group CEO Portia Derby has made further senior management changes at the state-owned port and freight rail operator in another move to clean-up its governance structures compromised at the height of State Capture. In an internal memo to staff dated 30 April 2020, which has been seen by Business Maverick, Derby and the Transnet […]

Turkey is building on its already-strong relationship with Somalia as it accepts an invitation to explore for oil in its seas. Ankara has spent years building trust in the region as it seeks to increase its influence. Turkey’s influence in the Horn of Africa is back in the spotlight, following the announcement that Somalia has […]

Nairobi — Tullow oil has suspended the trucking of Turkana crude oil citing severe damages by adverse weather conditions that were experienced in the last quarter of 2019.   In a Trading Statement & Operational Update released Wednesday, the company said the trucking procedures are currently halted and will resume construction once the roads are […]

The public-private partnership is expected to attract R20 billion in private sector investment over the next 20 years.   ‌ Ports and logistics parastatal Transnet is moving ahead with plans to develop a new ‘inland port’ in Gauteng and on Wednesday announced the winning bidder that will develop and operate the R2.5 billion Tambo Springs […]

Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula has praised the completed upgrade of the Umhlatuze River bridge between the Mtunzini toll plaza and Empangeni, saying it is “by no means a small step for road users”.   Mbalula officially opened the upgraded bridge on Friday, where he emphasised the importance of infrastructure in connecting communities.   “Every gravel […]

The promoters of liquefied natural gas (LNG) import terminals at Maputo, in Mozambique, and Richards Bay, in South Africa, insist that the two proposed projects can be complementary rather than competitive as there is sufficient existing demand and growth potential in the region to support both initiatives. In early December, Total and Gigajoule signed a […]

Tender issued for building of new maritime school   SOUTH AFRICA, Durban: Plans to build a dedicated maritime-focused school in Durban were revealed this week as the Development Bank of South Africa released a request for proposals for the construction of the school on the site of an existing school in the Umlazi District.   […]

In line with its strategy to develop and provide logistical solutions on various corridors.   Grindrod, the JSE-listed freight logistics and financial services company, has commenced construction of a R175 million 270 000m2 state-of-the art AutoPort just off the N3 in Camperdown between Pinetown and Pietermaritzburg in KwaZulu-Natal.   The R105 million first phase of […]

A rail revitalisation agreement has been inked between Ghana Railway Company Limited(GRCL) and State Owned Logistics Company Transnet to restore the Western Railway line in Ghana.   The signing ceremony was led by Dr Popo Molefe and witnesed by the President of Ghana Nana Akufo Addo and the President of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa. The […]