Port of Cape Town outlines new equipment roll-out

The Port of Cape Town will purchase four new rubber tyre gantries (RTG) as well as a new rail mounted gantry (RMG) as part of its operational efficiency strategy. Tonny Mhondiwa, acting senior manager of projects at Transnet Port Terminals (TPT), told FTW that improving operational efficiency was a key target for the terminal operator in the coming budget year. “In April we will start the straddle improvement plan that will see the refurbishment and improvement of 11 of the existing straddle carriers in the terminal. This will improve the reliability of the equipment and extend its lifespan,” he said. “We hope to have this completed by October next year and have a budget of R20 million for this programme.” At the same time this year will see the rubber tyre gantry improvement project kick off. With a budget of R13m, all 28 RTGs at the port would be improved by procuring critical parts – including engines and other safety critical components such as camera monitors, generators and hoist drums, said Mhondiwa. “We hope to award the service provider in the next few weeks and have the project completed by no later than June.” Another exciting development, he said, was the acquisition of four new RTGs for the terminal. The port is expected to take delivery of new cranes – budgeted at R142 million – in November this year. “This will increase our fleet to 32 and enable the terminal to increase its equipment capacity from one million TEUs to match the berth capacity of 1.4 million TEUs as is projected in the Phase 2B expansion plan.” According to Mhondiwa a new Rail Mounted Gantry (RMG) is expected to be delivered in June. “This crane will replace our existing crane which is past its useful life,” he said. “This project will ensure that we maintain reliable operations through the rail corridor.” Costing R40 million, the crane is expected to be commissioned by no later than July