Railways Africa NewsXpress: Week 16:2024
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Bite-size takeaways
TransNamib Announce Desmond Ernst Van Jaarsveld As The New CEO
The Board of Directors of TransNamib has announced the appointment of Mr. Desmond Ernst Van Jaarsveld as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of TransNamib, effective from 17 April 2024. Mr. Van Jaarsveld brings extensive experience in business and leadership to his new role at TransNamib, with over 30 years of professional experience in various industries.
Opportunity
Tanzania Intermodal Rail Development Project (TIRP-2) – consultancy services for feasibility study and flood modelling of the Kinyasungwe catchment area including conducting feasibility study, flood modelling, detailed engineering designs for rehabilitation of the six reservoirs and preparation of ESIA.
Ethio-Djibouti Railway Share Company Transports Heavy Machinery and Trucks!
April 12, 2024 (EDR): The Ethio-Djibouti Railway Share Company noted that it had transported two hundred pieces of heavy machinery and trucks from the port of Djibouti. This move marks a significant diversification of services, demonstrating the company’s capability to handle more than just bulk cargo and containers. Eng. Mebratu Delelegn, the COO, emphasised the company’s ability to adapt and meet the demands of its customers by expanding their service offerings. Previously known for its efficient handling of bulk cargo and containers, EDR has now proven its capability to transport heavy machinery, including graders essential for road infrastructure construction.
World Bank Announces Ousmane Dione as Vice President of the Middle East and North Africa Region
The World Bank has appointed Ousmane Dione as the new Vice President for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, effective today. Dione will lead the World Bank’s strategic partnerships with clients and stakeholders across the region, oversee an active operational portfolio of 139 projects with financing over $27 billion, and guide the region’s delivery of cutting-edge knowledge, policy advice and advisory services.
Open Access to South Africa’s Railway Network Has Encountered Another Delay
As of 1 April 2024, private rail operators were expected to be able to apply for access to Transnet Freight Rail. The “Published Rail Access Tariff Methodology” document, submitted to the Interim Rail Economic Regulatory Capacity (IRERC) in November 2023, stated that “IM will begin offering open access from 1 April 2024.” However, the Network Statement published by Transnet noted that the commencement of the application process would be contingent upon the completion of a public consultation process facilitated by IRERC and the finalisation of tariffs.
Although the delays might have been justifiable had the process adhered to the original timeline, the consultation process deadline has been postponed yet again. The latest notice from the Department of Transport, published in the Government Gazette on 16 April, extends the deadline for comments by nearly a month. The invitation for public commentary on the draft Transnet Network Statement by IRERC has been extended to 20 May 2024, with submissions due before 11:00 AM.
This represents a significant setback for operators who are prepared to commence operations but must now wait until this process is complete, adding several months to a process that has already been slow, to put it politely. With elections imminent and no further advancements in this regard, one could be forgiven for thinking that the opportunity to open rail in South Africa to the private sector might simply evaporate. Although one hopes not.
Opportunity
Composite Wagon Brake Blocks
Beira Port Bolsters Facilities Amidst
Growing Trade Demands
At the Land Linked Zambia Event held on April 4-5, 2024, in Zambia, we caught up with Mudiwa Mupfanochiya from Cornelder de Moçambique, S.A., for a “Coffee With the Editor” interview. Mudiwa provided an insightful overview of the operations and strategic role of the Port of Beira, managed by the private consortium formed through a partnership between the Mozambican public company Porto e Caminhos de Ferro de Moçambique (CFM) and the Cornelder Group, CdM, since 1998.
The Port of Beira is strategically linked by two major railway lines, enhancing its connectivity across the region. The rehabilitated Machipanda Line stretches approximately 300 kilometres to the Machipanda border with Zimbabwe, and the Sena Line extends towards Malawi; however, 50 kilometres on the Malawian side are currently being worked on.
In terms of cargo handling, the past year marked a record for Beira’s terminals. The container terminal processed over 320,000 TEUs, a significant increase from the previous year’s 280,000 TEUs. The general cargo terminal was not far behind, handling more than 3.5 million tonnes of cargo. These figures represent significant growth, indicating robust performance and a promising future for the port’s operations.
In response to increasing demand, the Port of Beira is actively expanding the storage capacities at both terminals. The expansions are designed to accommodate a variety of new commodities, including lithium. Additionally, the port has initiated upgrades to its infrastructure, including plans to install two new gantries following a tender process set for later this year. These enhancements are crucial as the port prepares to handle larger and wider vessels.
The port currently supports a 12-metre draft for container ships and a 10-metre draft for general cargo ships, accommodating larger international shipping vessels. This capability has transitioned Beira from a feeder port to a direct-call port now serving major shipping lines.
Mudiwa notes that the Kafue – Lion’s Den railway project, which the governments of Zambia and Zimbabwe have been discussing, will be a major game-changer. Currently, rail connectivity for Zambia and the DRC involves a circuitous route from Livingstone down to Bulawayo, up again to Harare, then across to Mutare, Machipanda and finally to Beira. However, once the Kafue – Lion’s Den link is established, it would provide the same logistical advantages as road freight, offering the shortest rail route from Zambia to the port of Beira, which would greatly enhance efficiency and reduce transportation costs.
Afri-Track’s Evolution:
Railway Construction, Pit-To-Port and
Renewable Energy Solutions
Railways Africa Magazine’s “Coffee with the Editor” filmed at the recent Land-Linked Zambia 2024 event, features Johan Laubscher, CEO of Afri-Track Group Holdings & Afri-Track Railway Construction.
Johan elaborates on Afri-Track’s strategic expansion plans, noting their ventures in South Africa, Botswana, and their home base in Namibia. According to Johan, the next stop is Zambia, as they now prepare to open a local office.
Afri-Track has diversified its service offering over the last few years, transitioning from solely focusing on railway construction to encompassing infrastructure development, particularly in the pit-to-port sector. The company’s three main business units now include railway construction, expansion into civil structural projects, focusing on port infrastructure necessary for effective rail operations. While serving as a supporting function, this division has evolved into a self-sufficient and sustainable entity in its own right. Additionally, Afri-Track has ventured into the renewable energy sector, establishing Zero Carb Namibia. This entity looks at industrial facilities for railways and other entities, facilitating their transition off the grid.
Reflecting on the rail sector in Namibia, Johan acknowledges the prevailing optimism but underscores the necessity to improve confidence, especially among private clients and the mining sector. He highlights ongoing projects in Namibia and emphasizes the substantial funding and investment in rail infrastructure. Notably, he mentions that their company is part of a consortium that has been shortlisted for the next bidding stage of the Trans-Kalahari project.
Regionally, Johan observes promising developments, including South Africa’s open-access, projects in Zambia and the Lobito Corridor. These initiatives signal positive shifts for the future of Africa’s rail industry.
Zambia Railways Gears Up for Growth with Strategic Plans and Upgrades
BBR’s Rail Initiatives In Zimbabwe And Beyond
Swala Rail Solutions’ Vision
For Rail In The DRC And Zambia
Preliminary Programme for Upcoming SAHHA Event Now Available
The South African Heavy Haul Association (SAHHA) is pleased to announce the publication of the Preliminary Programme for the upcoming SAHHA conference, taking place from 26 to 29 August 2024. Aligned with this year’s theme, “Positioning Heavy Haul for Success,” the programme encompasses strategic, industry-specific topics and speakers.
The review process for technical paper presentations is ongoing, and the SAHHA team will announce the completion of the preliminary programme as soon as possible.
Take advantage of early bird registration!
For more information, click here: www.sahhaconf.co.za
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