An investigation into the efficiency of the port / rail interface at the Port of Durban

Abstract

Trade liberalization and resultantly globalization has led to the relative free flow of goods, services, capital and people.

The transport system in South Africa must be highly reliable and rapid to contribute to economic development. The focus of this research study is on the Port/Rail Interface in the Port of Durban which critically assesses the transfer of goods particularly from rail transport to and from vessels within the port precinct. Some of the major constraints identified in the study related to poor infrastructure, operations and levels of services; lack of maintenance, availability of rolling stock, locomotives and cargo stacking space.

Transnet's role is pivotal in providing efficient port and rail operations and is currently upgrading infrastructure, operations and capacity of the port and rail services.

One of the main objectives of the study is to present recommendations to Transnet management that arise out of the shortcomings identified during the course of the research study.