 cranes for the Durban Container Terminal (DCT) Pier 2 on Thursday, in Durban.){kind=link}
By Levy Masiteng
Transport minister Barbara Creecy unveiled two of four brand-new ship-to-shore (STS) cranes for the Durban Container Terminal (DCT) Pier 2 on Thursday, in Durban.
The unveiling was done in partnership with Transnet. The cranes will replace an old fleet that has reached its end-of-lifecycle.
According to Creecy, the acquisition of the four STS cranes is an investment of R967 million, which is expected to enhance the terminal’s operational efficiency, cargo-handling capacity, and competitiveness.
“Furthermore, Transnet Port Terminal (TPT) has set aside R4 billion on acquiring equipment across its business this financial year (2025/26),” Creecy said in a statement.
She said the purchase of new equipment is tied to a new long-term contracting model with original equipment manufacturers and original parts suppliers.
It is expected to drive significant benefits for Transnet, including enhanced equipment performance and reliability, spares support, asset life cycle management, innovation, and equipment standardization.
“With the infusion of new equipment, focused execution, and strong industry collaboration, we are well geared up for the upcoming retail season,” Creecy said.
This investment followed the implementation of an 18-month recovery plan to stabilise the terminal
“Today, I am proud to confirm that this plan and Transnet’s Reinvent for Growth Strategy are yielding clear, measurable results, particularly here in the Durban Container Terminal,” Creecy said.
The terminal had recorded a 28.8% increase in volumes handled, she said.
The terminal has long been a bone of contention for businesses. The facility handles a large share of South Africa’s containerised trade, and when it under-performs, importers and exporters face higher costs and delays.
During the handover, Creecy emphasised the importance of private sector participation in revitalising the freight logistics system.
“Leveraging the private sector’s capital, expertise, and operational efficiencies is integral to government’s strategy for revitalising the freight logistics system,” she said.
Creecy applauded the TPT for what she described as a “remarkable turnaround” in operational efficiency, after the entity posted its strongest performance in more than a decade.
She said that the strategic infrastructure of ports and rail networks will remain in public ownership, safeguarding the assets for future generations.
“PSPs are about injecting world-class operational capabilities and necessary capital to unlock profitable and efficient supply chains, where Transnet alone faces investment constraints,” she said.
“The new equipment and the tangible performance improvements are a vote of confidence in the future of the Durban Container Terminals. Our commitment to PSP will institutionalise efficiency and position this terminal to make its full potential contribution to the national economy.”
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