Railways Africa NewsXpress: Week 18:2024
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Abidjan Terminal deploys new digital technology to improve operational efficiency
Abidjan Terminal, the 1st container terminal of the Port of Abidjan, a subsidiary of Africa Global Logistics (AGL), recently deployed a new Vessel Operation module (VSOPE WEB) in its port operating system. This maritime operations planning and execution module of the TOS OSCAR (Terminal Operating System) used at the terminal, aims to significantly improve the operational efficiency of the terminal, by streamlining all container handling operations.
This advanced technology, designed by AGL’s teams, improves the terminal’s key operational processes. It offers Abidjan Terminal’s operators a new range of functionalities that promote advanced management of ship loading and unloading operations, as well as real-time monitoring of container movements on the fleet.
SETRAG Acte de sabotage sur le réseau ferroviaire
Le 20 avril 2024, des actes malveillants ciblés et perpétrés par des individus non identifiés, ont été constatés sur la voie ferrée au PK58 + 900, entre les gares de d’Andem et de Mbel. Ces derniers s’en sont pris aux infrastructures ferroviaires en déposant des obstacles sur les rails, dans l’intention délibérée d’occasionner des déraillements de trains. Cet acte aurait pu conduire à des conséquences dramatiques, qui ont pu être évitées grâce à la vigilance et au professionnalisme du personnel de conduite. Setrag condamne fermement de tels agissements qui mettent en danger la vie des cheminots, des populations et des usagers du chemin de fer. Setrag se réserve le droit d’entamer des poursuites judiciaires pour identifier les responsables de cet acte criminel.
Act of Sabotage on SETRAG Railway Network
On April 20, 2024, targeted malicious acts carried out by unidentified individuals were observed on the railway at PK58 + 900, between the stations of Andem and Mbel. These individuals targeted the railway infrastructure by placing obstacles on the tracks, with the deliberate intention of causing train derailments. This act could have led to dramatic consequences, which were avoided thanks to the vigilance and professionalism of the driving staff. Setrag strongly condemns such actions that endanger the lives of railway workers, the public, and railway users. Setrag reserves the right to initiate legal proceedings to identify the perpetrators of this criminal act.
ZRL Recovers Stolen Clips
According to a statement issued by Zambia Railways, two suspects were apprehended for stealing Pandrol clips on the Chipata-Mchinji railway line belonging to Zambia Railways Limited. The duo upon being handed over to the police disclosed information leading to the identification of a named buyer, who was found with 177 clips bringing the total number of recovered clips to 212.
Canyon Resources Advances Railway Project in Cameroon
According to the Q4 activities report issued by Canyon Resources, the company is in the final stages of selecting expert consultants for the updated Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS). This study will encompass the Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) for mining, hauling, railways, and port facilities. During the quarter, the Bobodji Camp hosted multiple visits from key management personnel and CAMALCO staff to support the diverse workstreams. The company also continued discussions with Cameroonian authorities concerning the Mining Permit, CAMRAIL, the Port Authority of Douala (PAD), and the Haul Road. Canyon is prioritising negotiations with transport authorities (port and rail) to establish a clear project framework in anticipation of the Mining Permit being granted.
Slow Progress for Transnet Rolling Stock Leasing Company One Year On
The tender to establish a partnership with Transnet Engineering for a new rolling stock leasing company was released to the market in April 2023. The main objective, as cited in the minutes, was “to pursue domestic and regional leasing opportunities from a rolling stock and port equipment perspective. The ‘domestic market’ primarily refers to the South African market, while ‘regional’ pertains to countries outside South Africa, such as Zimbabwe, Zambia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.” As part of the value proposition, Transnet, as a group, has access to 100 locomotives and 2,000 wagons, currently classified as ‘B fleet’ rolling stock. The B fleet comprises assets that are out of service, which could be utilised as an asset base for the new leasing company.
Considering the context of rail reform and the scarcity of available rolling stock for lease at the time, this initiative was set to be a significant venture that garnered substantial interest but seems to be progressing slowly.
However, Dr Andrew Shaw, who attended the media briefing on Friday, 26th of April, provided the following brief update on the lease company: “The Lease Co transaction is still in place. We received a lot of interest. I think the process that we need to engage with now is that in our engagements with the National Treasury, they are clear that we have to allocate some fleet or block of locomotives. And that may also now, in going forward, include some wagons in order to meet the requirements of the PPPFA. So, we are considering how we would facilitate that process. So, that transaction continues to be core to how we wish to restructure Transnet.”
You can read more about this tender, and associated briefing documents here.
PRASA Locomotives & Coaches Safely Relocated Following Fire Incident on M1 Bridge
On 01 May 2024, PRASA Rail successfully relocated several locomotives and coaches to safety following a fire incident on the M1 bridge above the Braamfontein yard, where coaches and locomotives are normally staged.
The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Wednesday morning, prompted an immediate response from PRASA Protection Services, who reported the incident. The City of Johannesburg Emergency Management Services were dispatched to the scene, but despite their efforts, the fire persisted, necessitating swift action from PRASA Rail. Train crew members at home were promptly activated to move the locomotives and coaches to a safe location to prevent exposure to the fire.
While the exact cause of the fire has not been confirmed, preliminary reports suggest that it may have originated from an underground tunnel housing cables belonging to City Power. The City Emergency Management Services have confirmed that the fire is now under control, with firefighting operations ongoing.
No major damage has been reported to the coaches and locomotives, except for minimal damage to the paint of a few due to heat exposure. PRASA will continue to assess the entire fleet that was relocated.
Transnet Update On Recovery Plan Progress And Strategic Initiatives
Transnet Freight Rail Insights
CEO Russell Baatjies Shares TFR’s Strategy,
Infrastructure and Industry Collaboration
In this edition of Coffee with the Editor, we are joined by Russell Baatjies, CEO of Transnet Freight Rail (TFR). Russell provides invaluable insights into TFR’s strategic direction, ongoing collaborations and formidable challenges. Our dialogue navigates through TFR’s overarching vision and proactive approach in aligning with industry imperatives while anticipating future demands.
We explore the significant industry support received, particularly along the North Corridor, and the potential extension of similar agreements for the North East corridor, servicing chrome magnetite and rock phosphate industries. The conversation extends to enhancing seamless cross-border rail services, including upcoming engagements with Botswana Railways and TransNamib, alongside the involvement of the Railway Safety Regulator and the Southern African Railways Association (SARA).
Additionally, we discuss TFR’s support of PRASA’s corridor recovery plan, shedding light on ongoing discussions regarding potential line transfers to PRASA. We cover the “new” business structure between Transnet Freight Rail Operating Company (TFROC) and Transnet Rail Infrastructure Management (TRIM), and TFROC’s strategies for competitive positioning in an open market.
Our conversation addresses the pertinent topic of open access and access fees, reflecting the current industry discourse. We explore locomotive availability and potential rolling stock partnerships… This interview offers valuable insights into the changing landscape of Transnet and the wider rail industry. Enjoy!
Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa Marks Milestone with Trainset 200 Delivery and Southern Line Re-signalling
On 23 April 2024, Ms. Sindisiwe Chikunga, the Minister of Transport, officially commemorated the delivery of trainset 200 and the re-signalling of the Southern Line in Cape Town. Organised by the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA), the event was attended by the National Department of Transport, members of PRASA’s Board of Control and Management, and representatives from Gibela, among others.
Gibela, comprising OEM Alstom (70%) and Ubumbano Rail (30%), is the consortium responsible for manufacturing 600 Alstom-designed XTrapolis Mega EMU trains, equating to 3600 coaches. These trains are fondly referred to as Isitimela Sabantu, which translated to English means ‘the people’s train’.
In highlighting the historical challenges of PRASA, coupled with the devastating impact of theft and vandalism of the PRASA system nationwide during Covid, the minister touched on the Agency’s turnaround plan, which included:
A Rolling-stock Fleet Renewal Programme: Procurement of 600 new modern high-tech trains, along with a maintenance contract to ensure a consistent supply of spare parts, reigniting reliability and comfort.Station Modernisation: PRASA has identified 135 stations with high commuter traffic within the modernisation corridors of the rail network. These stations are slated for enhancements, aiming to elevate the customer experience.Signalling Upgrade: PRASA has embarked on a process to replace all existing signalling interlocking, comprising mainly obsolete mechanical and electromechanical systems, with electronic interlocking as the technology of choice.
To date, PRASA has partially recovered and reopened 31 of the 40 corridors it operates, and work to revitalise the passenger rail service continues. In the Western Cape, which encompasses 14 lines across five municipalities, PRASA has partially restored 12 of the 14 lines.
“There is a belief among so many of us that the sufficient provision of public transport will benefit our broader ideal of a nation that works, an idea which sits central to our plan to revive the economy, make a serious dent in unemployment, improve the standards of people’s lives and place the building blocks for a better life for all.”
Navigating The Rails Of Change
Professor Havenga Comments On Current Rail Developments In South Africa
Professor Jan Havenga, the newly appointed board member of PRASA, offered an insightful dialogue on current rail affairs in South Africa, during the celebration of the PRASA’s 200th train launch in Cape Town on 23 April 2024.
Rail Reform In South Africa
Progress And Challenges
A brief discussion on the future of rail transport in South Africa with Ngwako Makaepea, Deputy Director General of Rail Transport, during the PRASA celebration in Cape Town on 23 April 2024.
Ngwako highlights the Department of Transport’s commitment to advancing rail reform, emphasising the importance of laying down foundational building blocks for a robust system. He discusses key initiatives such as the freight logistics roadmap and the establishment of the Transnet Infrastructure Manager.
Celebrating Progress
Reggie Boqo On Gibela’s Milestones
And Future Prospects
During the recent PRASA celebration on 23 April 2024, which marked both the launch of the 200th train and the resignalling of the Southern Line in Cape Town, we had the opportunity to speak with Reggie Boqo, the Acting CEO of Gibela and former Chief Financial Officer.
Reggie highlighted the milestone of 214 trains manufactured to date, noting that the company reached peak production this past financial year by manufacturing 62 trains. He assures that Gibela is set to maintain this production rate in this financial year as well, having scaled up operations and engaged extensively with their supplier base and supply chain ecosystem.
PRASA’s Progress And Innovation In Train Systems And Signalling
An Interview With
Athanacious Makgamatha
On April 23, at a celebratory event marking the 200th trainset and the re-signalling of the Southern Line in Cape Town, Athanacious Makgamatha, General Manager: SAD Signals and Telecoms, shared insights into the latest advancements in South Africa’s passenger rail systems with Railways Africa Magazine, discussing ongoing progress and future plans.
In respect of the Southern Line, Makgamatha highlighted the complete recovery of the signalling system from Cape Town to Simonstown, enabling reduced intervals between trains. “We are able to run at 20 minutes headways,” he noted, indicating the significant improvement in frequency and flexibility in train scheduling. Interestingly enough, the system can get down to two and a half minutes headway; however, only achievable once the line is fully recovered.
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