Transnet Engineering is an integral part of South Africa’s railway and port industry value chains, serving as a provider and maintainer of the assets used in operations. The division’s core business activities include the manufacturing, remanufacturing, assembly and maintenance of railway rolling stock, such as locomotives, freight wagons, passenger coaches and port equipment.

These offerings are supported by specialist engineering capabilities, including research, design, condition monitoring, testing, systems integration and certification. With more than 150 years’ experience in rail, Transnet Engineering is an independent African original equipment manufacturer (OEM) for wagons and has made significant progress in developing its OEM status for locomotives, exemplified by the manufacturing of the ‘Trans-Africa’ locomotive.

Through its Engineering unit, Transnet Engineering has researched, designed and built the Transnet Port Hauler, which is currently undergoing operational testing.

Core Capabilities

In research, design, testing, manufacturing, re-manufacturing, assembly and maintenance of railway rolling stock including locomotives, freight wagons, passenger coaches and port equipment.

The division also provides products and services to customers located outside of the Republic of South Africa, including: Tanzania, Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Transnet Rail Infrastructure Manager (TRIM) is a key player in managing South Africa’s vast rail network, which spans 30,400 kilometres. Established under the National Rail Policy and the Economic Regulation of Transport Act, 2024, TRIM is responsible for ensuring the country’s rail infrastructure is reliable, efficient and well-maintained. Its mission is to connect people, businesses and regions, supporting economic growth and regional trade.

TRIM manages a core network of 9,875 route kilometres, which includes vital heavy-haul lines for transporting goods like iron ore and coal. The Sishen-Saldanha line (iron ore export) and Ermelo-Richards Bay line (coal export) are built to carry heavy loads of up to 30 tons/axle and 26 tons/axle, respectively. The network also includes branch lines with axle loads of up to 20 tons/axle, connecting smaller regions and communities. Approximately 1,200 trains run daily on the network, ensuring the smooth movement of goods and passengers.

TRIM plays a crucial role in connecting South Africa’s ports, terminals and production hubs, especially in the SADC region. It supports landlocked countries by providing essential rail links, promoting regional trade and economic growth.

TRIM's mission is to empower seamless rail connectivity through reliable, intelligent and resilient infrastructure management. By ensuring safe, efficient and affordable rail operations, TRIM drives economic growth, supports regional connectivity and fosters sustainable development.

Transnet Freight Rail, the largest Operating Division of Transnet, currently manages the rail network infrastructure and operates rail services across major corridors to transport a wide variety of bulk and general freight commodities, including mining, agricultural and manufacturing goods, bulk liquids, containerised freight and automotive units and components for export, regional and domestic markets.

Operating Corridors are logical units of accountability that together produce results not obtainable by the elements alone – the whole being greater than the sum of its parts.

The corridors are as follows:

Provides strategic links between ports, terminals and production hubs in the SADC region.

Operates the award-winning luxury Blue Train.