THE Ngqura Container Terminal (NCT) has recruited lifting equipment operators to run a full three-berth operation when South Africa’s citrus season begins in April.
On-the-job training has started for the 36 new recruits who will be operating ship-to-shore cranes and rubber tyred gantry (RTG) cranes. Ship-to-shore crane training takes six weeks, while RTG training takes three months.
NCT senior operations manager Malixole Mahobe said, “This boost in operator capacity will enhance the terminal’s productivity, which will, in turn, attract demand. We are excited at the prospects”. Last year, the Eastern Cape Container Terminals handled higher citrus volumes than the previous three years, with a volume increase of 12%.
Inclement weather disrupts NCT operations from time to time. To recover, the terminal diverts some vessels to the neighbouring Port Elizabeth Container Terminal (PECT) in agreement with shipping lines and draft allowance as there is capacity.
The Ngqura Container Terminal is South Africa’s only dedicated transshipment terminal. Operations started in 2009 which makes it Transnet’s newest terminal.
