Four new ship-to-shore (STS) cranes valued at R967 million, were introduced by Transnet on Thursday, at the Durban Container Terminal (DCT) Pier 2.
The Container Terminal Pier 2 is the largest and busiest facility in Southern Africa, responsible for 60% of the country’s container volumes.
Pier 2 is currently the only facility in Africa with tandem lift cranes that have a carrying capacity of 80 tons at a time.
In a statement, Transnet said the new cranes will enhance the terminal’s operational efficiency, cargo-handling capacity, and competitiveness.
The new STS cranes will replace an old fleet which has reached its end–of– lifecycle.
The new fleet is part of Transnet Port Terminal’s (TPT’s) capital expenditure to strengthen the cargo-handling fleet across its container terminals.
Michelle Phillips, CEO of Transnet, said “the arrival and commissioning of these STS cranes represents more than just steel and technology. It is a reinforcement of Transnet’s commitment to improving service offering through investment in new equipment. These cranes will enable us to turn vessels faster, to operate at higher winds and match the world-class efficiency that global trade demands.”
Picture: Supplied