New cranes set to boost efficiency at Cape Town Container Terminal - Transnet

The Cape Town Container Terminal (CTCT) on Wednesday launched nine new rubber-tyred gantry cranes (RTGs) to optimise operational efficiency and increase volume throughput.

Transnet said the nine cranes are part of a fleet of 28 RTGs acquired as part of Transnet Port Terminals’ (TPT) R3.4 billion capital investment into the terminal. The other 19 RTGs are currently being assembled.

The new equipment lays the groundwork for long-term, sustainable growth in line with Transnet’s Reinvent for Growth Strategy that seeks to reposition the organisation as a key enabler of economic growth and competitiveness. The new RTGs are equipped with an anti-sway system and will operate at wind speeds of at least 90km/h, with long travel of up to 100km/h, to enable them to get to their park position.

The current RTGs operate up to 72km/h wind speeds, while the new machines are on par with the ship-to shore cranes resistance of up to 90km/h. They are fitted with video cameras that will provide a clear 3D view to assist the operator with load handling, spreader handling and crane operation. The machines are a diesel electric hybrid system, which is better for the environment, with tier three engines.

In addition to the acquisition of critical equipment, Transnet said it has implemented several initiatives to improve efficiency at the Cape Town Container Terminal. These include the addition of a fourth shift to enhance employee wellness, suitable for a 24-hour operation, and the introduction of a performance-based incentive scheme as well as real-time performance monitoring.

"As a result, CTCT has seen a significant operational performance improvement. The terminal has increased its refrigerated container volumes by 32%, as at the end of August 2025, when compared to the same period last year, and the overall export volumes are up by 24%," Transnet said.

Transnet Group Chief Operating Officer, Solly Letsoalo said, “Last year this time we were being grilled about the performance and queuing vessels at the ports. Today, we can tell a different story. There are no vessel backlogs and performance has improved considerably, not just in Cape Town, but across our terminals."

Transnet said it lauded the continued partnership and support from customers and other key stakeholders, recognising that collective efforts have yielded tangible, measurable outcomes.

"The collaboration is a testament to the shared vision of building a resilient and efficient logistics network," it said. 

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