Transnet opens Maputo joint centre

Johannesburg - Transnet and port and rail operators in Swaziland and Mozambique on Tuesday unveiled the Maputo Corridor joint operating centre, the company said.

"The centre is a major milestone for the three countries in their drive to provide a seamless flow of cargo services for their customers," Transnet said in a statement.

It would enable Transnet, Mozambique rail and port operators, and Swaziland Railway to run a more efficient service from Mpumalanga through Swaziland to the ports of Richards Bay and Maputo.

There had been alignment of operating procedures, maintenance and safety standards among the three countries for transport of goods including coal, magnetite, containers, and fuel.

The initiative was part of Transnet's effort to ensure more cargo was transported by rail, instead of by road. Transnet said the majority of freight outside South Africa was still transported by road.

Transnet was investing R312bn over seven years to revitalise and expand rail, port, and pipeline infrastructure.

About two-thirds of the investment would be spent on rail.