Transnet SOC Ltd on Wednesday received the first shipment of Tata vehicles at the Port of Durban, marking the multinational automotive manufacturer’s return to South Africa after a six-year recess.

The delivery accentuates Transnet’s ports as critical gateways linking international industries to local markets and enhances South Africa’s position in global trade routes. It is expected to boost regional automotive distribution networks and demonstrate Durban’s growing relevance as a preferred port for strategic international manufacturers.

The vessel, SWAN ACE, a 17-year-old cargo ship sailing under the Bahamas flag, berthed at the L&M berth, carrying a total consignment of 485 Tata vehicle units. This strategic achievement is demonstrative of the port’s position as a key gateway for automotive trade in the Southern African region while highlighting its capacity to diversify within the automotive portfolio.

Managing Executive at the Durban Terminals, Earle Peters said, “Tata’s first shipment since 2019 through one of our terminals gives us great honour and encourages a sense of continued commitment to delivering a world-class service that supports our customers and strengthens South Africa’s competitiveness.”

Transnet Port Terminals’ (TPT’s) Durban Car Terminal is South Africa’s largest, with an annual throughput capacity of 520 000 fully built units. Recent improvements include the digital conversion of over 60% of the Durban Car Terminal’s parking bays, enhancing the movement of both imported and exported cars in a yard that parks over 12 500 at a time. High-tech bar-coded labels which can be scanned using handheld devices for digital yard management, and daily integrated meetings with Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and other stakeholders. The terminal exports a total of seven models made in South Africa for 140 markets globally.

Adding historic significance to this moment, the SWAN ACE was piloted into the Port of Durban by one of Transnet National Ports Authority’s (TNPA’s) female marine pilots, Captain Camille Van Wyk, a proud reflection of TNPA’s commitment to gender transformation and operational excellence. The operations were supported by a female Tug Master, Portia Miya, all under the leadership of Captain Thokozani Mthethwa, Acting Harbour Master at the Port of Durban.

“This moment is about more than just cargo handling operations; it’s about capacity, capability, and transformation,” said Captain Thokozani Mthethwa. “Bringing in the first Tata vehicle shipment under the guidance of an all-women marine operations team during Women’s Month is a powerful statement about where the maritime sector in South Africa is headed – indeed, women are building resilient economies for all.”