JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - South Africa's shipping and logistics group Grindrod said on Wednesday it had revised upwards its first half earnings per share and headline EPS to between 85 and 95 percent versus the year-ago period, sending its shares rising.

Grindrod had previously forecast a jump of between 55 and 75 percent for EPS and headline EPS for the six month period to end-June this year, against the corresponding period last year.

The firm attributed the jump to a stronger-than-expected performance in its shipping unit, and the sale of a ship previously contracted to be sold in the second half of the year.

Grindrod's shares rose 3.60 percent to 27.35 rand, beating the All Share index, which fell 0.61 percent by 1346 GMT.