The Richards Bay Coal Terminal (RBCT) exports for 2010 exceeded the performance of the previous two years because of the accelerated economic development in China and India.

“The coal terminal exported 63.43 million tonnes – 2.7% better than 2008 and 3.8% better than the 2009 performance,” spokesperson Ravin Maharaj said in a statement.

“Exports in 2009 were 61.14 million tonnes and 61.7 million tonnes in 2008.”

Chief executive officer of RBCT Raymond Chirwa said: “The significant changing factor is the major economic development happening in China and India, requiring more electrical power and coal inputs into their major factories.”

In 2010, RBCT sent 59% of its exports to Asian markets and 25% went to European markets.

Of the total 63.43 million tonnes, India imported 32% and China imported 11%, Chirwa said.

RBCT’s performance was achieved with “slightly” better railed tonnage at 62.86 million tonnes in 2010, compared to 61 million tonnes in 2009.

Chirwa said he was concerned that railing, on average, continued to remain well below the planned tonnage of 65 million tonnes in 2010.

“The derailments, which occurred toward the end of last year, resulted in ships waiting for cargo as at 31 December 2010.

“This situation has also depleted our stocks to end at 1.7 million tonnes in 2010,” he added.

This would have a definite impact on the first quarter exports.

Chirwa said RBCT hoped 2011 would be a better year for exports that depended on the efficiency and improvements of the railway system.

Sapa

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