2011/01/2004 Richards Bay Coal Terminal (RBCT) announced today that 2010 exports have exceeded the last two years’ performance. The coal terminal exported 63.43 million tons, 2.7% better than 2008 and 3.8% better than the 2009 performance. Exports in 2009 were 61.14 million tons and 61.7 million tons in 2008. Raymond Chirwa, Chief Executive Officer of RBCT, 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 2009, we scrutinized our operational capabilities, focused on improving efficiencies and fine-tuning our supply chain. Thanks to stabilization and completion of our Phase V expansion project, we have been able to improve our performance which I am pleased about.” In 2010, RBCT exported 59% to Asian markets and 25% went to European markets. Of the total (63.43 million tons), India and China imported 32% and 11% respectively. In 2009, 46% was exported to Europe, lower from 63% exported in 2008 while 41% went to Asian markets up from 18% exported in 2008; out of which 29% went to the Indian market up from 11% exported in 2008. RBCT’s performance was achieved with slightly better railed tonnage at 62.86 million tons in 2010 as compared to 61 million tons in 2009. Chirwa said he was concerned that railings, on average, continued to remain well below the planned tonnage of 65 million tons in 2010. The derailments, which occurred towards 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 tons in 2010. This will have a definite impact on the first quarter exports. “We hope 2011 will be a continued better year for exports as dependent on the efficiency and improvements of railings,” Chirwa said. RBCT Media Release ![]() |