The Cape Town Container Terminal (CTCT) received a delivery of seven pre-used rubber-tyred gantry cranes (RTGs) on Monday.
The acquisition of the RTGs is part of Transnet Port Terminals’ (TPT) turnaround plan, which prioritises equipment availability to support operational efficiencies. The delivery of the RTGs coincides with the peak of the deciduous fruit season, the busiest time for the terminal.
Western Cape Terminals Managing Executive, Andiswa Dlanga, said the acquisition of the RTGs was a display commitment to port stakeholders of improved productivity to ensure seamless vessel movement through the port.
“The acquisition of additional RTGs in our terminal will go a long way in offering a reliable service to our customers, a much-needed boost for the growth of the Western Cape and South Africa’s economy,” said Dlanga.
“As a business, we are committed to deliver on our promise to customers and industry, thus equipment availability and reliability are at the core of what we do. These additional machines will enable us to improve operational performance and turn around vessels on time.”
The CTCT has been operating with 20 RTGs and the delivery will bring the total number to 27. Seven of the 20 RTGs were recently fitted with new engines and three with generators. CTCT is currently completing maintenance repairs on two additional RTGs, which will bring the total number available to 29.
The port’s engineering team will spend the next few days commissioning the seven RTGs to ensure readiness before they are officially handed over to operations. Concurrently, the operations team will roll out training to operators who will be working on the machines.
