The Multi-Modal Inland Port Association (MIPA), which represents six inland ports in South Africa and one in Namibia, has added its voice to a growing chorus of support for the newly released rail Network Statement, describing it as a “transformative moment for South Africa's logistics sector”.

Following extensive consultations, particularly on the proposed tariff model, the Network Statement was published in December by the Transnet Infrastructure Rail Manager (TRIM).

The document outlines the terms and conditions for access to the national rail infrastructure by private train operating companies (TOCs).

Its release has also been welcomed by Business for South Africa, which praised the technical aspects of the document and described the pricing model included as reflecting a balance between stakeholder demands and Transnet’s initial proposals.

The allowable-revenue pricing model outlined in the initial draft was criticised as being unaffordable, and the inaugural Network Statement has, instead, included a two-part tariff, with one based on train kilometres and the other on gross ton kilometres.

The Network Statement will be updated yearly on April 1.

Likewise, the Road Freight Association has described the release of the Network Statement as “a pivotal step in revitalising the country's rail infrastructure and positioning it as a cornerstone of the national economy”.

MIPA chairperson Warwick Lord said the Network Statement provided the clarity and certainty needed for private investment in rail operations.

“MIPA and its members are committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure the success of this initiative, which promises to unlock new opportunities for economic growth, job creation and environmental sustainability.

“There is no doubt that road and rail transport are interdependent and must work together seamlessly to ensure efficient and sustainable transportation,” Lord added.

In a recent interview with Engineering News, TRIM interim CE Moshe Motlohi reported that applications for the first rail slots set aside for TOCs was open, with the closing date set for February 7.

These initial routes cater for a modest 2.4-million tons across five corridors; an allocation based on an assessment of the state of the network, which has major maintenance and investment backlogs.

The network’s current yearly capacity has been calculated to be only 180-million tons, well below the 250-million-ton target set for 2030.

Motlohi expressed confidence that credible bids would be forthcoming and said that a 60-day adjudication period had been set aside, after which preferred bidders would be announced.

Winning bidders would secure the slot for ten years, with an option to renew.

RailRunner South Africa also added its support for the Network Statement in the statement issued by MIPA, of which it is a member.

MD Mike Daniel said that, with the Network Statement in place, “we can accelerate the deployment of our innovative road-to-rail solutions”.