Slow start for shipping
Statistics show decline in bulk handling and coal exports from Port of Richards Bay
SHIPPING activities at the Port of Richards Bay sank significantly from December to the end of last month.
According to statistics released by the Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) on Friday, total cargo handled at the port dropped from almost 8.5 million metric tons to 7.4 million MT on a month-on-month basis with less total bulk and breakbulk product leaving the harbour.
Operational statistics from the Richards Bay Coal Terminal indicated that it, too, suffered a blow with its coal exports plummeting from nearly 6.8 million tons in December to 4.5 million tons in January.
However, the terminal received more than 160 000 tons more product over the same period from collieries with 25 more trains arriving at RBCT during the latter month.
RBCT’s most common export destination also changed from China in December to India last month.
Ending last year, China claimed 28% of the terminal’s product, but only 20.7% in January, whereas India increased 27.9% last month – up from 16% the month before.
Did the Transnet National Ports Authority stats report give a reason why there was a decline? And what was the effect on the economy? Does this have anything to do with the ship that sank in Richards Bay last year?