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Transnet runs 7.6km train and claims world record

Published

Transnet Freight Rail says its empty train of 696 wagons travelled 861km from Saldanha to Northern Cape iron ore mines on the Sishen-Saldanha line over the weekend. The operator says the run beats the previous record.

Transnet Freight Rail (TFR) says the train was about 7.6km long. Guinness World Records named a 7.35km BHP Iron Ore train from 2001 as the previous record holder. TFR made the record claim itself.

TFR head Russel Baatjies said the weekend showed the operator's depth and expertise. He said: "the real value lies in the technical knowledge and operational insights gained through this exercise".

The line was shut for annual maintenance from 6 to 16 October. A long-term Ore Line Restoration programme costs R8.9 billion. R3.4 billion is allocated through the Budget Facility for Infrastructure over the next two financial years.

Transnet Rail Infrastructure Manager expects to invest R2.2 billion in restorative maintenance in 2026. Transnet ran a 7.2km iron ore train of 660 wagons in 1989.

Key facts

Who
Russel Baatjies (TFR head); Transnet Freight Rail (state freight rail operator); Guinness World Records (record-keeping body); BHP Iron Ore (mining company, former record holder)
What
Transnet Freight Rail announced that a 696-wagon empty freight train, about 7.6km long, travelled from the Port of Saldanha to Northern Cape mines on the Sishen-Saldanha Railway Line, which TFR says is a world record. The article notes Guinness World Records named the previous record holder as a 7.35km BHP Iron Ore train from 2001.
When
18 October 2026
Where
Saldanha, Northern Cape, Sishen
Status
Reported

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