New cargo readiness and vessel planning rules will be introduced ahead of the 2026/27 deciduous fruit export season when export volumes are expected to rise by 13% year on year, according to the Cape Town Container Terminal (CTCT).
The measures aim to protect the cold chain, reduce landside congestion and improve cargo flow during the season from November to April, CTCT said.
At least 95% of planned refrigerated container volumes must be delivered by stack closure to ensure vessels can begin cargo operations as scheduled, according to CTCT’s new operating framework.
A fixed weekly vessel schedule, supported by a 21-day berthing plan, will give customers greater planning visibility, the terminal said. Changes to vessel calls will be communicated at least seven days before allocated berthing slots with management through Transnet’s national planning process.
Weather-related interruptions lasting six hours or longer will trigger engagement with affected shipping lines and a review of the 14-day berth sequence, according to CTCT. Revised arrangements will take vessel readiness and cargo availability into account.
Refrigerated container management will include defined stack opening and closing periods, daily monitoring and publication of cargo delivery performance against plan and a formal process for handling exceptional late-arriving cargo, the terminal said.
The introduction of 28 new rubber-tyred gantry cranes and four straddle carriers has strengthened operational capability and is expected to improve productivity during the peak season, according to CTCT.
Additional fixed-term employees are being recruited while leave is managed to maintain workforce continuity over the festive season, the terminal said. Backup resources will also be deployed from other terminals where required.
The measures follow engagements in August with customers, fresh produce industry stakeholders, Transnet leadership and Transport Minister Barbara Creecy.
