Grindrod completed a trial train on 2 November on the north-east corridor of the South African network. A joint statement published the following day with Transnet Rail Infrastructure Manager, the infrastructure manager, confirms this step ahead of the commercial launch planned for 2027.
The carrier mainly plans to transport coal from Mpumalanga to its terminal in Matola, Mozambique. It has two slots and expects around 288,000 tonnes during its first year of commercial operation.
This train follows several months of preparation for the opening of the rail network. On 13 May, Transnet announced it had concluded access agreements with eleven new operators, including Grindrod, covering five strategic corridors. The document presented the diversification of carriers as a means of increasing competition and available capacity.
A rail opening spanning several sectors
The opening covers several supply chains. The May statement cited coal, manganese, containers, fuels and general freight. The government agency SAnews also explained that the reform should facilitate the transport of ores, vehicles and agricultural products to international markets.
Signing the agreements did not, however, mean that all services could start immediately. Transnet said it would continue to support new entrants and their operational preparation. Some planned to start before the end of 2026, while others planned to begin in 2027.
Slots and an access framework still evolving
Access arrangements also continue to evolve. Since December 2025, a procedure has allowed operators to request slots outside the annual cycle. In May, Transnet was preparing a new version of its access framework, informed by exchanges with carriers and financial institutions.
For Grindrod, the trial is therefore a milestone between contracted access and regular services. The group says any subsequent increase in its volumes will depend on corridor capacity, additional slots and gains in operational efficiency.