In 2023, Transnet engineering initiated an aggressive ramp-up plan, following a settlement agreement with project partner Alstom.
by Blue Africa News
Transnet, South Africa’s state-owned freight and logistics company has reached a major milestone in the local logistics sector, through the completed local build of its 200th modern train engine, christened Traxx 23E.
The milestone celebrates engineering excellence in the country, with the Traxx 23E project being at core of the company’s effort to modernise its freight rail fleet.
“Modernising our fleet is a critical component of the national mandate to lower the cost of doing business and enable economic growth,” said Michelle Phillips, Transnet’s Chief Executive.
The milestone, Philips added, is a manifestation of Transnet’s commitment to modernize its fleet and enhance freight capacity, through sustained and focused investment in rolling stock assets.
It all dates back to 2023, when Transnet engineering initiated an aggressive ramp-up plan, following a settlement agreement with project partner Alstom (which acquired original contractor Bombardier).
In 2024, the project achieved its best-ever performance, delivering 43 locomotives. The company remains firmly on track, as it works toward the delivery of the remaining 40 locomotives by June 2026.
“The 200th Traxx 23E locomotive stands as proof of its capability, resilience, and central role in moving South Africa forward as Transnet engineering positions itself to become a leading original equipment manufacturer (OEM) in Africa,” noted the Chief Executive.
Meanwhile, South Africa is preparing for the deciduous fruit season, which begins this November and runs to March 2026, involving table grapes, pomegranates, stone fruit, berries, apples and pears. A 3% increase in total export volumes is expected this season.
Data indicates that fruit and nut exports from South Africa’s reached US$2.7 billion in the first half of 2025, compared to US$2.3 billion in 2024, an equivalent of 13.3% increase. The European Union, United Kingdom, Asia and other parts of Africa provide a bulk of the export countries.
The season is due as Transnet invests approximately R4 billion (around €200 million) in infrastructural improvement across five terminals in KwaZulu-Natal, the Western Cape, and the Eastern Cape.
The Cape Town Container Terminal has already received 28 new rubber-tyred gantry (RTG) cranes, 9 of which are already in operation. Another 9 are completing commissioning, while the remaining 10 are in the assembly stage.
“We are approaching this season with confidence following recent investments in new equipment, which we look forward to using this deciduous season,” said Oscar Borchards, Managing Executive of Western Cape terminals.
Features of the newly installed cranes range from efficiency in high-wind conditions and anti-sway technology, to diesel-electric hybrid engines.
Majority of South Africa’s export of deciduous fruits handled through Cape Town originates from the Western Cape, with smaller volumes from the Northern Cape.
Oliver Ochieng, Blue Africa News