Independent maritime data aggregator Linernet has confirmed the throughput performance that has dominated news filtering through from Transnet Port Terminals (TPT) about improved waterside contained handling at the Port of Cape Town.
This is after it was reported over the weekend that Cape Town Container Terminal (CTCT) had recorded a 62% above-target performance for the week ending 20 July.
It was the highest weekly volume since March 2019.
Whereas the terminal aimed to shift 12 283 TEU, it managed 19 931.
Lance Pullan of Linernet he could see the same reflected in the platform’s data.
The aggregator’s dashboard shows that after the first half of the year (H1) in 2025, throughput levels at CTCT are fast approaching levels last seen in 2022.
It was the best year for volume achievement at the terminal since the Covid outbreak of December 2019 and the subsequent port-side supply chain disruption it caused.
In comparison, 2023 and ’24 levels were markedly down, mainly because of equipment breakdowns, the unavailability of cranes and personnel performance.
As for H1 levels this year, 2025’s export data is matching levels for the full year of 2022 while export levels could match ’22 levels as well.
Improved performance at CTCT underscores the difference new equipment is having at the port.
“This sustained improvement is underpinned by ongoing investment in terminal infrastructure, including the acquisition of 18 new rubber-tyred gantry cranes, with nine of the RTGs already commissioned for operations,” terminal manager, Noxolo Thabatha, said over the weekend.
“CTCT is in a much better position than it was last year.”
Linernet’s data also confirms this view through overall TEU figures for the past five years, not forgetting that H2 still lies ahead.
The data shows that 2025 has overtaken the overall figures for 2021 and is marginally lagging behind 2022.
If current vessel-working levels is sustained and improved on, 2025 should stand out as a year of overall improved performance at CTCT.
“We can see from TPT’s own volume data that things have turned around,” Pullan said.
However, variables will have to be considered in the final analysis, especially if Trump tariffs are implemented on Friday.
Cape Town is currently in the middle of its fruit export season and if the August 1 deadline for 30% increases on certain goods is not avoided, it could have a serious impact on ongoing outflows of especially citrus, which in previous years had direct-sailing duty-free access to America.
