Railways Africa NewsXpress: Week 38:2024
Railways Africa Magazine
Railways Africa™ is the Authoritative Magazine for the rail industry in Africa
British Ambassador to Egypt visits Derby-built Cairo Monorail
Alstom , a global supplier of smart and sustainable mobility solutions – together with its partners, recently welcomed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Arab Republic of Egypt, Gareth Bayley OBE, to witness the construction of the new Cairo Monorail system.
Abidjan Metro Line Set To Transform Urban Mobility In Côte d’Ivoire
The Abidjan Metro Line 1 project, first conceived in 2010 with construction starting in 2023, is a critical infrastructure development for the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire. It aims to provide a new, fast, and safe transport solution for over 500,000 people each day, boost the economy, and contribute to improved environmental and social conditions. The line is scheduled for service in 2029.
African Rail Company – Driving Innovative Rail Logistic Solutions
In this episode of Coffee with the Editor, filmed during the recent Southern African Railway Associations Conference and Exhibition, our editor, Phillippa Dean , sits down with Youssef E. , Executive Director at the African Rail Company (ARC). Youssef shares insights into ARC’s journey over the past decade, their strategic growth and their role in transforming rail logistics in the region.
Over the past 10 years, ARC has primarily focused on bridging the gap between clients and rail authorities. They started by offering logistical solutions, particularly addressing issues arising from customers dealing with multiple rail authorities. What began as a niche solution for diesel logistics has now expanded to include commodities such as copper, coal, lithium, chrome and containers, with further expansion into molasses in Mozambique. The company is active in key regions such as East Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Zambia, and, more recently, Malawi.
Central to the discussion is the anticipation surrounding the opening up of South Africa’s rail network for private-sector participation. South Africa boasts the largest rail network in Africa, and ARC has been preparing for this opportunity. Youssef also highlights some of the public-private partnerships that ARC is currently involved in, where they are assisting rail operators with the rehabilitation of rolling stock.
Youssef acknowledges the complexities of the rail environment but sees these challenges as the reason ARC exists. By providing seamless rail logistics solutions, ARC addresses the frustrations that customers have faced with fragmented rail operations. The company’s hands-on approach, with “boots on the ground” across its operations, has been key to ensuring smooth logistical flows, managing paperwork, and optimising capacity utilisation.
Looking ahead, Youssef outlines ARC’s ambitious plans for the next 12 months. These include increasing capacity, refurbishing 150 wagons and launching operations in South Africa. ARC is also exploring capital investment opportunities to further expand its rolling stock. While securing the necessary capital is a long-term endeavour, ARC is focused on signing deals in the next year that will pave the way for future growth.
Luxembourg Rail Protocol Transforming Rail Asset Management
In this edition of Coffee with the Editor, our editor Phillippa Dean sits down with Howard Rosen CBE , Chairman of the Rail Working Group , at the Southern African Railways Association’s (SARA) annual conference and exhibition. The discussion covers the latest developments around the Luxembourg Rail Protocol and its growing influence on rail asset management globally.
The protocol, which officially came into effect on 8th March 2024, is currently operational in Sweden, Spain, Luxembourg, and Gabon, making Gabon the first African country to implement it. With South Africa expected to ratify the protocol soon, other Southern African countries are likely to follow suit, marking a significant step forward for the region’s rail industry.
Key topics include the implementation of the international registry for URVIS numbers (Unique Rail Vehicle Identification System) for rolling stock, the advantages of permanent identification in financing and regulatory frameworks, and potential future applications of URVIS for components like wheelsets and brakes. Howard Rosen also discusses how the Luxembourg Protocol is becoming essential to public-private partnerships (PPPs) in rail, digital tracking solutions for creditors, and the importance of cybersecurity in rail asset management.
Navigating Heavy Haul Success with Optimised Materials and Smart Designs
At the recent South African Heavy Haul Association (SAHHA) conference, industry experts Alberto Ronchi from Lucchini RS S.p.A. and Regan Holland from Lucchini SA presented a paper titled “Navigating Heavy Haul Success with Optimised Materials and Smart Designs.” The paper highlighted the importance of understanding the specific needs and goals of the customer when designing wheel and wheelset solutions for heavy haul applications. The presentation showcased three case studies from different parts of the world, illustrating how tailored wheel solutions can address unique operational challenges and enhance performance in heavy haul operations.
Positioning Rail Logistics as the Backbone of South Africa's Critical Minerals Export
Kenneth Williams from the Makoya Group recently delivered a keynote address at the Critical Materials Conference: FerroAlloys 2024, held in Johannesburg from 9th to 11th September. In his address, Williams discussed the current state and future prospects of logistics and supply chain management in South Africa. He highlighted the significant policy changes and the commitment from both the government and Transnet to partner with the private sector, emphasising that the logistics sector is at a critical crossroads.
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South Africa: Resolution Needed On Locomotives Impasse To Curb Transnet’s Rising Debt
The Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA) has expressed concern over the ongoing dispute between Transnet and Chinese locomotive supplier CRRC E-Loco, which is significantly impacting Transnet’s financial stability. During a recent meeting with the Minister of Transport, Ms Barbara Creecy D , and Transnet executives, SCOPA discussed Transnet’s 2023/24 audit outcomes, where Transnet received an unqualified audit opinion but faced compliance issues.
Assessing Railway Systems: Insights from Hatch at SAHHA
In this episode of Railways Africa Magazine ’s “Coffee with the Editor,” our editor, Phillippa Dean , speaks with Anneri Robinson from Hatch at the South African Heavy Haul Association (SAHHA) conference about her paper, “Approach to Assessing the Condition of a Railway System,” co-authored with Nathan Wilson. Robinson talks about the challenges faced by railway operators, including asset decay and diminishing capacity, and outlines Hatch’s risk-based asset condition assessments. These assessments provide crucial insights into the remaining useful life of railway components, enabling clients to make informed decisions about maintaining and investing in their rail infrastructure.
Robinson discusses the importance of understanding the entire railway system, from tracks to locomotives, and how the varying degradation rates of different subcomponents can impact capacity planning and investment. The approach is particularly significant in South Africa, where there is a strong push for private sector participation in the rail sector. This framework encourages collaboration between freight owners, rail operators, and infrastructure maintainers, aligning their objectives towards maximising rail capacity and efficiency.
The conversation also covers the wider implications of these assessments, including their role in pre-feasibility and bankability studies, insurance considerations, and the management of ageing rolling stock. Focused on data-driven insights, Hatch’s approach supports the sustainable development of rail infrastructure, aiding the shift from road to rail in multimodal logistics.
Economic Data From The Minerals Council South Africa Shows Mining Production Continued To Decline In July 2024
The data issued by the Minerals Council South Africa notes that: Following two consecutive month-on-month (m-o-m) contractions in May and June, in July 2024, seasonally adjusted total mining production declined by a further 0.9% m-o-m. In May and June, production declined by 0.9% and 1.7%, respectively. Three sub-industries were responsible for the drop in overall output during July, namely PGMs, coal, and iron ore. Together, these commodities account for 65% of total mining production. Only four of the 12 main commodity sectors recorded m-o-m production increases, and these are gold (5.5%), chrome (4.7%), manganese (7.2%), and diamonds (17.5%).
Efficacy Of Rail Transport Sector Master Plans
Transport economics has been applied in determining the economic viability of transport projects, forecasting demand and supply, resource capacity determination for projects and for determining the welfare impact of projects. I have decided to rephrase transport economics as TRANSNOMICS, a philosophy to anchor transport sector policy development for comprehensive contextualization of the desired enabling environment for operational excellence, quality service provision and competitive market practices and industry development.
Guest Column by Dr. Lubinda Sakanga
Harnessing Positive Sentiment Towards South Africa to Reposition the Mining Industry for Growth
Media release from the Minerals Council South Africa : Improved sentiment towards South Africa under the new government of national unity and successes in the state’s partnership with business to urgently address the country’s damaging electricity crisis are contributing towards rebuilding the growth agenda for the mining industry, said Mzila Mthenjane , CEO of the Minerals Council South Africa.
SADC And SARA Push For Functional Regional Rail Systems
At the recent Southern African Railways Association ( SARA Rail ) Conference, Chikondi Nsusa, Senior Programme Officer – Transport, Directorate of Infrastructure, SADC Secretariat , highlighted the critical role of establishing functional rail systems to promote economic growth in the region. Reflecting on her childhood memories of watching trains pass by on predictable schedules, she painted a nostalgic picture of an efficient and systematic rail network. However, this efficiency is no longer the case. Today’s narrative is one of broken networks, reduced demand, understaffing, financial losses, capital shortages, and disintegrated connectivity between countries.