Ports along the coast of South Africa handled 101 295 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) last week – 15% above the weekly target for all container terminals combined.
Transport Port Terminals (TPT) said on Monday that it had last achieved volumes at this level in the 2017/2018 financial year, when it moved 101 871 TEUs, which remains a current record.
It said this was in line with “consistent performance improvements” recorded since the implementation of Transnet’s Recovery Plan.
“TPT has also been exceeding targets for the arrival, berthing and departure of vessels, in line with its shipping agreements and there have been no vessel backlogs and delays across port terminals nationwide,” the ports operator said.
This follows a combination of real-time performance reporting, the introduction of a new incentive scheme and a focus on equipment replacement along with the introduction of a fourth shift across all terminals.
“The delivery of key cargo-handling equipment such as straddle carriers, rubber-tyred gantry cranes, haulers, reach stackers, and empty container handlers has particularly supported the drive towards volume and productivity improvements,” the ports operator said.
“Recent initiatives have strengthened customer collaboration, encouraged integrated planning and sharing of best practice. With National Treasury allowances, TPT has been able to fast-track its equipment acquisition plan and where lead times were long, cargo owners and customers have moved TPT to the front of the line.
“More new equipment is planned to arrive in Cape Town and Durban before the end of this calendar year.”
Currently in citrus mid-season, the ports operator said it was preparing for a strong close before the retail season began in October.
TPT handles more than four million containers annually across its Durban Container Terminals Pier 1 and Pier 2, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth and Ngqura container terminals.
