Richards Bay Coal Terminal

Location of the coal terminal

The Richards Bay Coal Terminal (RBCT), which is located in the Richards Bay harbour on the Indian Ocean coast of South Africa, is the largest coal export facility in Africa.^{[lower-alpha 1]}

Location

Positioned at one of the world’s deep sea ports, RBCT is able to handle large ships and subsequent large volumes. As such, it has gained a reputation for operating efficiently and reliably. The 260 hectare site currently boasts a quay 1,6 kilometres long with five berths and four ship loaders. Currently, the terminal has a storage capacity of 6.7 million tons of coal and is serviced by six stacker reclaimers, two stackers and a reclaimer.

Capacity

In September 2006, RBCT set a new world record by loading and exporting 409,809 tons of coal in a 24-hour period at an annualised rate of 149.17 million tons per annum (Mt/a). Potential throughput is to reach 91 million tons a year by the first half of 2009.^[2]

In 2007 annual throughput was 66.12 million tons, despite a capacity of 76 million tons. It was largely due to rail deliveries failing to reach expectations.^[3]

Expansion plans

RBCT commenced its Phase V expansion project in September 2006, which will see total handling capacity being increased to 91 Mt/a in 2009. The expansion will also see the terminal's shareholders increase as export capacity is made available to emerging black coal miners in South Africa, thus creating a new generation of coal exporters who will make use of the facility.

In January 2012, the Swazilink rail project was announced, which would remove general freight traffic from the Richards Bay line and allow more coal trains to Richards Bay Coal Terminal.^[4]

References

Notes

Citations