Transnet has marked the return of Tata Motors to the South African market with the arrival of the company’s first vehicle shipment in six years at the Port of Durban.
The vessel Swan Ace berthed at the L&M terminal carrying 485 Tata vehicles. Operated by MOL and sailing under the Bahamian flag, the 200-metre-long, 32-metre-wide vessel delivered the consignment that signals Tata’s renewed push into the region.
Modernization
“This first shipment since 2019 through one of our terminals gives us great honour and reinforces our continued commitment to delivering a world-class service that supports our customers and strengthens South Africa’s competitiveness,” said Earle Peters, Managing Executive at Durban Terminals.
The Durban Car Terminal, managed by Transnet Port Terminals (TPT), is South Africa’s largest automotive handling facility with an annual capacity of 520,000 fully built units. The terminal has undergone significant modernization, including digital conversion of more than 60% of its parking bays and the rollout of high-tech barcoded labels to streamline yard management. The facility can accommodate over 12,500 vehicles at a time.
Daily integrated meetings with OEMs and stakeholders have further enhanced operational efficiency. The terminal also serves as an export hub, shipping seven South African-built vehicle models to 140 markets worldwide. Tata’s renewed presence is expected to boost trade volumes through Durban and further strengthen South Africa’s position as a key automotive gateway into the continent.