The Port of Durban’s Multi-Purpose Terminal (MPT), which has been used as a support terminal to improve efficiency and cut bottlenecks of vessels waiting at anchorage, has marked a historic milestone after moving more than 200 000 TEUs during the 2024/25 financial year.
This comes after the port’s management collaborated with shipping lines, particularly MSC South Africa, which assisted with plans to improve efficiency and equipment it had on order for its own terminals across the world.
According to Transnet Port Terminals (TPT), the terminal recorded the highest number of TEUs handled in a single year, at more than 200 000 TEUs, against its target of 131 106 for the 2024/5 year.
TPT hosted an event at the port on Tuesday to celebrate the milestone along with staff, senior management and port customers, including MSC South Africa chairperson, Captain Salvatore Sarno; Evergreen South Africa President, Ben Chang Ignazio Messina & C; Owners Representative, Andrea Marzullo; South African Association of Ship Operators and Agents CEO, Peter Besnard; and SA Association of Freight Forwarders marine consultant, Dave Watts.
Durban Terminals Managing Executive Earl Peters said the MPT had come a long way since 2003 when it moved just 25 000 TEUs a year to achieve “the impossible”.
“The terminal moved from 25 000 to use to 45 000 in 2007, and then with the support and collaboration of the city of eThekwini we were able to increase that number to 75 000 TEUs,” he said.
“Today is a remarkable achievement which we never would have believed possible, but we've achieved the impossible with the type of team we have, with the equipment we have but also our customers and stakeholders, who have made this possible.
“This milestone marks a significant moment in our journey, and one that highlights not only the performance, but also the dedication and contribution to the South African economy, as we know that the 24/25 financial year has proven to be a sterling one for the terminal. Not only have we exceeded performance, but we've also recorded an impressive 200 000-plus TEU quantum,” Peters said.
He said the facility had supported the main container terminals to meet the growing demand for services.
“This achievement is clear testament to the continued growth of our capabilities and the vital role we play in complementing the busy Durban container terminals. The success wouldn't have been possible without the hard work and commitment of a dedicated team, our employees, the strategic deployment of fit-for-purpose equipment, but also a clear vision for growth.
“We certainly could not have done it without our customers, without the shipping lines, in particular,” Peters said.
Sarno said his son Rosario Sarno and Peters had brainstormed solutions to reduce waiting times for the high number of vessels forced to wait at anchorage because of productivity challenges, including insufficient equipment, in late 2023.
“They started to discuss how to help the waiting time, how to improve the situation at the port and, of course, there was not enough machinery, so MSC offered to give the terminal the use of three reach stackers together with eight drivers.”
He said Transnet group chief executive officer, Michelle Phillips, and TPT Chief Executive, Jabu Mdaki, had immediately accepted the offer until the port received its new machinery.
“But that is the proof that cooperation, simple cooperation between shipping lines and the terminal/Transnet, can give a good result and achieve something unbelievable to see,” said Sarno.
Chang commended TPT for finding an innovative solution to congestion by allowing vessels to berth at the MPT.
“The world is changing rapidly from artificial intelligence and innovation to automation but, on the other hand, shipping lines are facing so many challenges, such as port congestion, environmental regulations and also the war between Russia and Ukraine.”
He said it was important that labour worked closely with stakeholders to find solutions.
“As you know the charter cost for container vessels is the most expensive component in the global logistic chain …so container vessels waiting in the queue outside the port is quite expensive and creates a negative perception for the country’s economy. In such a circumstance it is important that we find a creative solution,” said Chang.
“We want to thank TPT management for their assistance in diverting vessels to the multi-purpose terminal which is really helpful to minimise delays.”
Marzullo thanked port workers and management for always being willing to discuss and attempt to resolve challenges.
TPT chief executive Jabu Mdaki said the terminal had achieved the milestone due to the dedication of its management and workers and the assistance of the shipping lines after the congestion “crisis” in 2023.
He said TPT was “eternally grateful “ to MSC for redirecting equipment to Durban to help meet the port’s dire need for equipment.
“We hope we can continue with that collaboration. You put your money where your mouth and we are grateful,” he said.
“A lot of shipping lines have since come forward to say, how can we work with you? How can we collaborate? How do we ensure that we make these South African ports function as they need to, and we are open to any efforts and collaboration initiatives.”
