THE Cape Town Container Terminal has cleared most of its backlog, Transnet reported on Tuesday. Vessels are berthing on arrival with only one vessel at anchor. The terminal has increased equipment availability to optimise operations and improve efficiencies.
According to Transnet, Cape Town Container Terminal (CTCT) is operating with 20 rubber-tyred (RTG) gantry cranes and six of these were recently fitted with new engines and three with generators. The availability of RTGs has increased from an average of 15 to 20. CTCT is currently completing maintenance repairs on two additional RTGs and has also acquired seven second-hand machines to be delivered in December 2023, which will bring the total RTGs available to operations to 29.
These RTGs are a stopgap while Transnet Port Terminals finalises the long-term partnership with original equipment manufacturers for all container and multipurpose terminals. The contracts are expected to be concluded by next month and orders for new RTGs at the CTCT will be placed, Transnet said.
On the landside, the terminal has increased the number of haulers from 32 to 42, while ship-to-shore cranes are averaging at eight, with the ninth machine out for maintenance and repairs. The recruitment of additional engineering personnel and other critical skills remain a key priority in ensuring maximum reliability of equipment. Effective 1 December 2023, the terminal will be onboarding the first group of diesel mechanics with more intake, including millwrights due to start in January 2024.
“The deciduous fruit season, which runs from November to March, has a renowned reputation worldwide and contributes greatly to our economy, providing employment to many South Africans. Thus, we are committed to continue putting more initiatives and efforts into optimising our logistics for the success of the season. We apologise to our customers for the delays and thank them for their understanding” said Andiswa Dlanga, managing executive of Transnet’s Western Cape Terminals.
