Photo by: Duane Daws
Transnet Freight Rail (TFR) has confirmed that the export coal line from Ermelo, in Mpumalanga, to the Richards Bay Coal Terminal (RBCT), in KwaZulu-Natal, was closed for its yearly maintenance shutdown on Tuesday, July 11 and will remain closed for planned maintenance until Monday, July 17.
The major projects to be executed during the 2017 shutdown period include rail replacement, universal sleepers replacement, overhead traction component replacements, sets replacements, and the refurbishment of midpoint traction substations.
In 2016/17, TFR railed 73.8-million tons of coal along the corridor, a 2.4% increase on volumes railed in the previous financial year.
Transnet has indicated that volumes during the current financial year to March 31, 2018 are supported by 74-million tons in take-or-pay contracts, as well as an additional 7-million tons relating to Waterberg coal contracts.
However, that forecast was made prior to coal exports being disrupted by violent protests in KwaZulu-Natal, which led to the suspension of services for a period.