Transnet Freight Rail’s coal business has recovered 10 million tonnes of annual volume in two years, moving from a low of approximately 48 million tonnes to 58 million tonnes.

Speaking to Railways Africa at the International Heavy Haul Association Technical Workshop in Cape Town, Theo Johnson, General Manager of Transnet Freight Rail’s Coal Business Unit, explains what has driven the recovery and what must still be done.

A stronger security focus has contributed to a 50% year-on-year reduction in security incidents. Signalling systems are being restored, 102 Class 23E locomotives have been deployed with maintenance support, and additional employees have been moved to the coal line as TFR continues its operational ramp-up.

The business is currently operating at a 60 million-tonne tempo and is targeting approximately 61 to 62 million tonnes by the end of the RBCT financial year. The next objective is to reach 65 million tonnes in 2027, with the longer-term recovery required to take performance beyond 70 million tonnes.

Johnson also discusses the work undertaken during the annual shutdown, after which TFR delivered more than 1.35 million tonnes to Richards Bay Coal Terminal in the first week. According to Johnson, this was its strongest first-week post-shutdown result in five years.

The interview examines the relationship between infrastructure, locomotives, wagons, security and people, as well as TFR’s interest in AI-supported train inspection.

Watch the full interview for a detailed account of the coal line recovery, the remaining constraints and the operational work behind TFR’s 65 million-tonne target.