The Cape Town Container Terminal (CTCT) has rolled out the red carpet – literally – for its nine new rubber-tyred gantries, affectionately dubbed the ‘red ladies’.
Port stakeholders gathered this week to celebrate the arrival of the machines, which are part of a broader fleet investment that will eventually total 28 rubber-tyred gantry (RTG) cranes.
Heralding the commissioning of the “nine ladies in red” as a key milestone for Transnet Port Terminals (TPT) and the Port of Cape Town, Transnet chief executive Michelle Philips said the investment was a key driver for operational efficiency and economic recovery.
The RTGs form part of Transnet’s R3.4 billion terminal capital investment plan, which also includes the acquisition of three forklifts, 47 haulers and 47 trailers.
“We have invested a significant amount into this operation,” said Philips.
“I’ve paid for it with a credit card and the bond is getting bigger – it’s nearly maxed out. It’s important to remember that Transnet does not receive a cent from the Fiscus. We go to the markets, borrow and invest that money back into the business.”
Looking ahead, she said more investment was on the horizon.
“Our goal is simple: to continue investing the way we are, so we can work more efficiently and start generating revenue that allows us to support this country in ways we haven’t before.”
Speaking to Freight News on the sidelines of the event at the CTCT quay, Philips said the purchase of the new equipment had been a matter of urgency.
“We did use a business-unusual process and were granted departure from procurement regulations. We have amended our policies to allow procurement at Transnet with greater speed. Having said that, it is still a long process with many constraints and I would have preferred that we could do it even faster.”
Philips highlighted the broader impact of Transnet’s recent efforts.
“What is important is that we do what we say we are going to do. We have improved the loss by 74% in the past year and what that demonstrates is that the strategy we have in place is working. We have managed to stabilise our operations in line with the objectives of our recovery plan – we told you and we did it.”
She confirmed that R127.7 billion would be invested over the next five years across Transnet, with fleet renewal remaining a priority.
Jabu Mdaki, chief executive of TPT, said the organisation remained on a long and intentional journey of operational recovery and sustained growth.
“What we introduced 22 months ago is now materialising into measurable outcomes. CTCT has already seen tangible performance improvements, with refrigerated container volumes up 32% and overall export volumes up 24% year-on-year at the end of August 2025.”
He said the new equipment came equipped with advanced anti-sway systems, allowing the cranes to operate safely in wind speeds of up to 90 km/h, on a par with the ship-to-shore cranes.
Mdaki also highlighted the introduction of a fourth shift to support 24-hour operations, saying that it would not only enhance employee wellness but also further improve operational efficiency at the port in the months ahead.
Also addressing delegates at the event, Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis said there was significant optimism about the economic boost the city and province could see from improved operations at the Port of Cape Town following Transnet’s investments.
“We welcome the progress being made at the port and the large volumes of time-sensitive produce that move through it. Efficiency at this terminal is key. This investment will raise the bar and the standard. It is a crucial step forward,” he said.
The mayor stressed that this should be just the beginning. He encouraged Transnet to move swiftly on further investments, including private-sector partnerships, to expand port infrastructure.
“A request for information process by the Western Cape’s Department of Economic Development and Tourism to test private-sector appetite for investment in the ports has shown that it could add R6 billion in exports, create 20 000 new jobs and generate R1.6 billion in additional tax revenue,” he said.
Hill-Lewis also urged Philips and her team to focus on developing the Culemborg Intermodal Logistics Precinct at the Port of Cape Town.
“It is the largest undeveloped piece of land anywhere in the city. Development of this precinct will radically improve the way the port functions and, with it, the city. It forms a huge piece of the economic growth puzzle.”
Andile Sangqu, chairman of the board at Transnet, acknowledged the challenges the company had faced in recent years.
“For years, Transnet faced obstacles that hindered competitiveness. Our investments, like these new machines, will improve cargo flow, allowing us to move more containers faster and with greater reliability. They directly address some of our most pressing operational challenges while boosting capacity to handle growing volumes.
“This is part of Transnet’s roadmap for innovative change – improving service and restoring efficiency. It demonstrates the critical role we play in enabling broader economic growth. These new machines are a tangible sign of turning our vision into action. South Africa’s ports have entered a new phase, marking a pivotal shift for port infrastructure in the country.”
