Four ship-to-shore cranes and 18 rubber-tyred gantry (RTG) cranes at R744 million has been delivered to Transnet Port Terminals (TPT).

Karl Socikwa, CEO at TPT, says, “This acquisition demonstrates that we are serious about delivering on our commitment to our customers – we continue to reinvest in our infrastructure and equipment aggressively. The TPT team is executing our business strategy methodically and systematically, while always keeping economic growth and activity in mind. I am very pleased with the progress the arrival of these new cranes and RTGs represents.”

The use of local manufacturing and local businesses has been a key consideration in the procurement of this equipment.

Liebherr Africa supplied the new equipment, two of which will go to the Ngqura Container Terminal (NCT) operations in Port Elizabeth and two to the Cape Town Container Terminal (CTCT). The assembly and installation of all the equipment will be handled by eight local companies.

Ntombeziningi Shezi,TPT’s General Manager Procurement, explains, “As always, it was important for us here at TPT to consider local manufacturing – it is something we take very seriously. We are very proud that the steel structures for the gantries were made at Liebherr Africa’s facilities in Johannesburg, Newcastle and Durban.”

The procurement of the machines has been accompanied by detailed supplier development initiatives, which will ensure a further R193 million is invested in the local economy:

•             R120 million in post-sales service and maintenance by local companies;

•             R27.7 million for skills transfer initiatives;

•             R26.5 million for job creation and preservation;

•             R13,6 in intellectual property and technology transfer initiatives; and

•             R5 million for small business promotion

The delivery of the two ship-to-shore cranes for each terminal forms part of TPT’s strategy to increase the capacity to service larger calling vessels, and to optimise efficiency.

Cape Town Container Terminal is currently undergoing a R5.4 billion upgrade and when all four berths and the new cranes are installed, capacity will increase to 1.4 million TEU. The Ngqura Container Terminal is already in its second phase of a R1.1 billion development, which will see it grow from two to three berths and increase its capacity to 1.5 million TEU.

Socikwa concludes, “Transnet Port Terminals continues to invest across its terminals to ensure growth and the sustainability of the country’s commercial imports and exports.”