South Africa Coal Shipping: Richards Bay, Ships and Markets
South Africa exports a large volume of thermal coal by sea. Almost all of it is loaded at one coast terminal and goes to India, Pakistan, other Asian countries and Europe.
The loading port
Most South African export coal is loaded at the Richards Bay coal terminal on the east coast, which is fed by rail from the mines in the north-east of the country. Some coal also goes through other ports such as Durban. The terminal has a fixed loading program, and a ship that arrives outside its slot waits, so the laycan and the slot must be agreed with care.
The ships
Panamax and Supramax ships are used for much of the trade, and Capesize ships for the large cargoes that go to Asia in single lots. The size is chosen by the discharging port: many Indian ports have a limited draft, which favours smaller ships.
Markets
The main markets are India and Pakistan, other countries in South and Southeast Asia, the Middle East and, in some years, Europe. The buyer's demand follows power plant needs, the price of other fuels and the supply from other exporters, such as Indonesia, Australia, Russia and Colombia.
Coal quality and loading
Coal is sold by its energy content, its ash, its sulphur and its moisture. An independent inspector samples the cargo at loading, and the results are the basis of the final invoice. Coal can heat up in the holds on a long voyage and some grades release gas, so ships follow the safety rules for the cargo. See coal and ore shipping.
What to write in your request
The coal grade and the quantity with a tolerance, the loading terminal and the slot you expect, the discharging port and its draft, the laycan, the loading and discharging rates and the inspection company. Read how to charter a ship for the steps.
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