The Cape Town Container Terminal (CTCT) has taken delivery of components for the first of nine of 28 new rubber-tyred gantry cranes which Original Equipment Manufacturer, Liebherr Africa, has begun assembling onsite.
CTCT said the investment in new equipment would largely benefit the agricultural sectors and regional exporters.
The equipment has anti-sway technology that allows operating speeds to reach up to 90 kilometres/hour in windy conditions allowing work to continue during inclement weather.
“The rubber-tyred gantry cranes we currently have operate at up to 72 kilometres/hour under windy conditions. So, the new ones give us huge opportunity to enhance our efficiencies,” said Western Cape Terminals Managing Executive, Oscar Borchards.
He added that operations would only be halted due to extreme conditions.
The new rubber-tyred gantry cranes come with a diesel electric hybrid system and a Tier 3 engine certified by the Environmental Protection Agency. New-age enhancements include fitted video cameras with clear 3D views that assist the operator with load handling, spreader handling and crane operation.
“The technical team is working towards assembling and commissioning the cranes and this includes endurance tests and training. The full process is expected to take up to five months before handover to operations,” CTCT said.
The Cape Town Container Terminal is expected to take delivery of the next nine cranes in November 2025 and the final 10 in June 2026.
Rubber-tyred gantry cranes are used mainly as stacking equipment and for moving containers between the stack and the ship-to-shore cranes.
