The Port Elizabeth Container Terminal has acquired a new ship-to-shore crane valued at R240 million.
Transnet said the crane would contribute to increasing the terminal’s agricultural and automotive container throughput and its capacity to handle larger vessels efficiently.
“The new crane replaces another one that has reached its end-of-life cycle after operating for over 35 years, giving assurance to industry of the terminal’s equipment current replacement plan,” Transnet said.
Original equipment manufacturer Liebherr Africa has equipped the crane with the latest technology and minimised environmental impact demonstrated by its reduced energy consumption.
Positioned at the terminal’s edge, the crane has advanced cargo-handling features, including increased lifting capacity to efficiently load and unload containers on calling vessels.
The crane is part of Transnet Port Terminal’s R3 billion investment pipeline to boost equipment availability and operational efficiencies across its container terminals.
This investment included the 20 straddle carriers and nine rubber-tyred gantries that were recently operationalised at Durban Container Terminal Pier 2 and Pier 1 respectively.
Speaking during the unveiling of the ship-to-shore crane at the Port Elizabeth Container Terminal, Transnet Chairperson, Andile Sangqu, said the new equipment would improve efficiency of the terminal.
“The arrival of the ship-to-shore crane represents far more than just a logistical milestone; it symbolises Transnet’s unwavering commitment to efficiency and reliability. Investments in critical equipment are central to Transnet’s drive to overcome operational hurdles, improve efficiency and fulfil its crucial role in South Africa’s logistics ecosystem.
“In an operating environment that demands agility, efficiency and precision are non-negotiable. Transnet recognises that reliability and improved responsiveness are the foundation of mutually beneficial long-term partnerships because every minute counts and delays can have profoundly negative consequences,” he said.
“We want to be the force that propels our partners to excel in a sector that expects nothing less.”
