Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) says its Durban Terminals’ fleet replacement strategy is moving ahead as it recently received nine of 16 Liebherr rubber-tyre gantry crane (RTG) components.
TNPA said that the fleet replacement strategy aimed to improve reliability and efficiency of port equipment.
Industry players have welcomed the new equipment but said the port has suffered from years of underinvestment and it will take time for efficiency to improve.
Earle Peters, Managing Executive at Durban Terminals, said that the assembly of the nine RTGs will be on-site, with handover to operations planned for May 2025.
“The delivery of these RTG components is a key milestone that will significantly improve Durban Container Terminal (DCT) Pier 1’s ability and help the terminal meet service delivery expectations.”
Peters explained that the RTGs are necessary for DCT Pier 1 operations as they enable the efficient movement and stacking of containers, both for inbound deliveries to the terminal and outbound shipments for loading onto vessels.
“Efficient container handling reduces turnaround times and improves overall port efficiency. The final batch of seven RTG components is expected to arrive in March 2026, with full deployment scheduled for August 2026.”
Peters said that as part of a strategy to enhance operational performance across its terminals, Transnet Port Terminals has invested over R744 million in the procurement of the 16 RTGs.
Malcolm Hartwell, Norton Rose Fulbright director and master mariner, said that Transnet’s continued investment in port facilities and equipment was welcomed as it should improve their services to shipping lines and the logistics sector.
“It appears that Transnet is identifying bottlenecks in the logistics system and dealing with them as they are identified. Unfortunately, Transnet has been under financial pressure and facing the capacity and corruption challenges that have resulted in massive delays at South African ports.”
Hartwell added that the unfortunate effect of challenges such as this on any company was that investment in new equipment and in maintenance were not treated as the priorities they should be. “Underinvestment in maintenance leads to breakdowns and slower performance and then increased capital costs when that equipment has to be renewed in its entirety because it cannot be repaired. This investment of R744 million will assist, as will the planned opening of a new access route into the port.”
Gavin Kelly, CEO of the Road Freight Association (RFA), said it was pleased to hear that new container handling equipment has arrived at the Durban port.
“We have continually noted that our ports need to step up and become points of excellence that all shipping lines who have destinations (or origins) in and from Africa would want to use.
“The RFA eagerly awaits the positive changes at the port given the huge emphasis placed on the quality and quantity of serviceable equipment (which was) the reasoning given by Transnet as one of the major hurdles to the efficient operation of the Port of Durban.”
South African Association of Ship Operators and Agents (Saasoa) CEO Peter Besnard said that Transnet management are taking steps to address challenges at the port.
“The addition of seven new tugboats was a good start, with five being allocated to Durban and two to the Eastern Cape. The RTGs that were received are also good news to improve efficiency. It will take time to assemble the RTGs and get them working, but those steps are important; we commend the new leadership of Transnet for making decisions to improve Port efficiency.”
THE MERCURY