- Saldanha Bay shipments jump 16% as rail performance improves
- Richards Bay volumes edge up 3% amid gradual coal rail recovery
South Africa’s shipments from the key bulk export ports of Saldanha Bay and Richards Bay rose 9% m-o-m to 13.53 million tonnes (mnt) in September 2026, from 12.41 mnt in August. The increase was driven primarily by stronger shipments from Saldanha Bay, while Richards Bay recorded a modest improvement. The growth aligns with signs of a gradual recovery in Transnet’s rail performance, although infrastructure limitations continue to constrain the full export potential of both corridors.
Port-wise performance
- Saldanha Bay shipments surge: Shipments rose 16% m-o-m to 6.67 mnt in September from 5.75 mnt in August, accounting for most of the overall increase. However, the Sishen-Saldanha iron ore corridor remains below its designed annual capacity of 60 mnt, with locomotive, wagon and network constraints continuing to limit a stronger recovery.
- Richards Bay records modest growth: Shipments increased 3% m-o-m to 6.86 mnt from 6.66 mnt in August. The improvement comes amid signs of a recovery in Transnet’s coal rail operations, with Richards Bay Coal Terminal reporting stronger rail throughput during September. However, rail reliability and infrastructure constraints remain important factors affecting export growth.
Outlook
South African bulk exports are likely to remain supported by improving rail performance and stronger seasonal coal demand ahead of the Northern Hemisphere winter. Asian utilities may step up coal imports in the fourth quarter to replenish inventories, although sustained export growth will depend on reliable rail operations, adequate infrastructure capacity and continued overseas demand.
The 16-day shutdown at Saldanha iron ore terminal is intended to facilitate maintenance and equipment upgrades. The impact on export volumes will depend on operating conditions at the terminal and the effectiveness of cargo management during the maintenance period.
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