Transnet to Prioritise Transportation of Essential Goods

[Johannesburg; 27 March 2020], In line with government’s call for a 21-day lockdown of the country in order to minimise the spread of the COVID-19 virus, Transnet SOC Ltd has taken the decision to scale down all of our transportation services and operations of non-essential cargo during the state lockdown.

As Transnet, our primary concern continues to be the health and safety of our employees and the local communities in which we live and work. The services we render are also essential to the efficient functioning of our economy, more so in this time.

After consultation with various stakeholders, Transnet has comprehensively assessed its environment and the impact of its services to South Africa at large, during this regrettable COVID- 19 era.

The following operations and commodities will be prioritised: Transnet Port Terminals

(The port terminals are responsible for movement of cargo to and from vessels).

In this part of the business, Transnet has taken a decision to reduce staff in some of the terminals with the exception of operations for Agri-bulk products namely; soya bean meal, fertiliser and woodchips, which will be, serviced on single berths operation at East-London, Richards Bay and Durban Agri terminals.

Break-bulk terminals will also function on single berth operation in order to handle essential break- bulk goods and containers. Break-bulk commodities will be handled at the Port of Cape Town, Richards Bay and Durban multi-purpose terminals. Multi-purpose terminals at the ports of East London, Saldanha, Port Elizabeth and Maydon Wharf in Durban will be closed. Transnet has also taken a decision to close all automotive terminals.

All containers bringing in essential goods into the country will be serviced using single berth facilities in some ports. The Durban Container Terminals (DCT) Pier 2 will operate only two berths on reduced staff complement. Other container terminals including the Nqgura, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth will operate on a single berth. Meanwhile, the Cape-Town Multi-Purpose Terminal will also handle containers on a single berth.

All bulk terminals, which handle mineral mining commodities will be scheduled as per demand from mining customers, subject to approval by the Department of Public Enterprises and Department of Mineral Resources.

Transnet employees working at these terminals (bulk terminals) will be requested to return to work based on the demand by the mining industry. All employees will adhere to the precautionary measures and continue practising strict levels of personal hygiene and ensure that full personal protective equipment (PPE) is worn at all times.

Transnet National Ports Authority

(The ports authority provides port infrastructure to facilitate imports and exports of essential products through the servicing of vessels).

All ports will remain open with the following operational services prioritised and manned at all times;

o Port control o Maritime service o Safety o Security and health services.

Staff complement in the eight ports will be reduced in line with the regulations issued by Government. Transnet Freight Rail

(Freight rail is responsible for transportation of goods through the rail network across the country).

Transnet will continue to transport coal to Eskom power stations.

The following en-route trains have been prioritised based on their loads being transported prior to or during the lockdown;

o high value trains, o trains with perishable goods as well as trains with sensitive goods.

Other rail operations during the lockdown will be provided under following four service levels:

 Essential services: include fuel, containers, timber, chemical products, agricultural products, coal for hospitals and power generation. Transnet’s health train, Phelophepa will also remain operational. The following critical inland container terminals will be operational: City Deep on day shift for 7 days, other inland terminals including Kascon, Pretcon and Belcon to be opened Monday to Friday only. The following inland terminals will be closed: Vaalcon, Bayhead, Catcon, Lohatla, Bloemcon, Deal Party, Kaalfontein and Isipingo.

 Enabling Products: Transnet will continue to transport coal as long as there is demand and availability of the coal railway line. The Ogies to Richards Bay and Centracor (Mafikeng to Gauteng) coal line will service lime/limestone for water purification and power generation. These railway lines will also transport soda ash and salt.

 Commodities to neighbouring countries and strategic partners: flows of goods to and from Botswana; Zimbabwe; Maputo; Namibia; Lesotho and eSwatini will be serviced through a number of railway lines to ensure movement of essential goods to neighbouring countries.

 Non-essential services: all transportation of non-essential services through the rail network including the operation of the Blue Train have been suspended with immediate effect.

Transnet Pipelines

(Transnet Pipelines handles the country’s fuel supply from the coast to the mainland).

The biggest depots including Alrode, Waltloo and Witbank will remain operational. The pipeline’s Jameson Park terminal in Heidelberg has available stock for supply of security in Gauteng and surrounding towns. Security at all the depots will remain unchanged.

Issued by Transnet SOC Ltd

For Media Enquiries please contact; Nompumelelo Kunene 066 484 5522

About TRANSNET

Transnet, a State-Owned Company (SOC), is wholly owned by the Government of South Africa and is the custodian of the South Africa’s rail, ports and pipelines and responsible for enabling the competitiveness, growth and development of the South African economy through delivering reliable freight transport and handling services to satisfy customer demand.