Cape Town Container Terminal Enhances Efficiency, Set for Deciduous Fruit Season

The Cape Town Container Terminal (CTCT), a crucial hub in South Africa's port logistics network, has recently announced substantial progress in clearing its cargo backlog and improving operational efficiency. CTCT now boasts immediate berthing for incoming vessels, a remarkable turnaround from times past when delays were the norm.

As of late, CTCT has enhanced equipment availability, a cornerstone in their strategy to heighten terminal productivity. This operational pivot included an increase from 15 to 20 rubber-tyred gantry cranes (RTGs) actively servicing the terminal. Notably, six RTGs were rejuvenated with new engines while three received new generators, marking a significant renewal of the existing fleet.

Further strides in equipment upgrade include the maintenance repairs on two additional RTGs plus the procurement of seven second-hand cranes expected to arrive in December. This infusion will raise the RTGs count to 29, significantly boosting terminal capacity and operations.

Still, these measures function as temporary steps. Transnet Port Terminals is in the final stages of sealing a long-term deal with equipment manufacturers, and new orders for RTGs are destined for CTCT—a move signaling an enduring commitment to operational excellence.

The terrestrial side of operations has also received its fair share of enhancements, now featuring 42 haulers—an increase from the previous 32—while ship-to-shore cranes maintain a steady output with eight operational cranes and a ninth undergoing maintenance.

Another critical advancement at the CTCT is the fresh recruitment of engineering staff and other vital skill sets, aimed at ensuring the reliability of the upgraded equipment. In light of this push for excellence, the terminal is gearing up to welcome a cohort of diesel mechanics on December 1, with the addition of millwrights and other essential trades slated for January 2024.

Going beyond optimizing infrastructure, CTCT is taking a customer-centric approach, fully cognizant of the implications of their operations on the nation's economy and individual livelihoods. Andiswa Dlanga, the managing executive of the Western Cape Terminals, emphasized the economic importance and global stature of the deciduous fruit season spanning November to March. Dlanga expressed a deep commitment to sustaining and advancing logistical operations to uphold this industry's success, thereby ensuring economic prosperity and job creation within South Africa.

Alongside this commitment, CTCT extended an apology to customers for any inconveniences caused by previous delays and has expressed gratitude for their patience and understanding.

With these strategic improvements and an acute focus on both equipment and personnel enhancements, CTCT is gearing up to play a pivotal role in facilitating the busy deciduous fruit season, taken as a bellwether for South Africa's agricultural exports. These efforts reveal a staunch determination to bolster South Africa's economic activity and stand testament to the terminal's unwavering resolve to elevate its service standards continually.