State-owned Transnet Port Terminals (TPT) says the Cape Town Container Terminal (CTCT) has been exceeding weekly volumes by 32% for two consecutive weeks as South Africa’s deciduous fruit season kicks off.
The first few vessels have been carrying exports destined for Europe and the UK. The season’s fruit include table grapes, pomegranates, stone fruits and berries, besides others.
Further, in cases of deviations or when the terminal anticipates increased volumes, there are additional operational resources during the night shift for recovery.
A total of 200 reefer plug points have also been added this season bringing the total plug points to 3 200. The inclusion of another ship-to-shore crane has also formed part of season readiness following its commissioning and handover to operations in October, TPT noted.
There was continued engagement between industry and the terminal as volumes were estimated to increase by 5% year-on-year. Last year, the CTCT handled more than 80 000 twenty-foot equivalent units.
“The initiatives in place and efforts made will enable maximum deployment of our equipment, which will boost productivity and enhance our service to our customers. As the CTCT, we continue to work hard in optimising our logistics for the success of the deciduous fruit season,” said TPT Western Cape Terminals managing executive Andiswa Dlanga.