First of 20 000-ton rail track shipment arrives

DURBAN’S multi - purpose terminal will handle more than 20 000 tonnes of 18 metre abnormal rail tracks imported from France over the next 12 to 18 months for the construction of the R25 billion Gautrain rail facility. A two-year contract was signed last week between Transnet Port Terminals, Transnet Freight Rail and cargo agent Logistic and Freight Solutions for the transportation of the imported tracks. Up to 1 500 tonnes will be imported every month through Durban MPT to construct the 80 kilometre rail route from Johannesburg to Tshwane via OR Tambo International Airport. Management of the overall logistics was awarded to UTi SA by Gautrain developer, the Bombela Consortium. Logistics and Freight Solutions was contracted by UTi to manage the inland logistics of the rail deliveries, while a third logistics company, Brait, will deliver the rail components to the various sites in Johannesburg. The first consignment of rail tracks, manufactured by French steel manufacturer Corus Steel, arrived in Durban from France on the Diamond Land breakbulk vessel earlier this month.