The Cape Town Container Terminal (CTCT) has cleared most of its backlog, berthing vessels on arrival with only one vessel at anchor, State-owned Transnet Port Terminals (TPT) reports.

The terminal has increased equipment availability to optimise operations and improve efficiencies, it adds.

The CTCT is operating with 20 rubber-tyred gantry cranes (RTGs), six of which were recently fitted with new engines and three with generators. The availability of RTGs has increased from an average of 15 to 20.

The CTCT is currently completing maintenance repairs on two additional RTGs and has also acquired seven second-hand machines to be delivered in December, which will bring the total number of RTG available to operations to 29.

“These RTG are a stopgap while TPT finalises the long-term partnership with original equipment manufacturers for all container and multipurpose terminals. The contracts are expected to be concluded by next month and orders for new RTGs at the CTCT will be placed,” says TPT Western Cape Terminals managing executive Andiswa Dlanga.

Further, on the landside, the terminal has increased the number of haulers from 32 to 42, while ship-to-shore cranes are averaging at eight, with the ninth machine out for maintenance and repairs.

Additionally, the recruitment of additional engineering personnel and other critical skills remain a key priority in ensuring maximum reliability of equipment. From December 1, the terminal will be onboarding the first group of diesel mechanics with more intake, including millwrights, due to start in January 2024.

“The deciduous fruit season, which runs from November to March, is renowned worldwide and contributes greatly to our economy and provides employment to many South Africans. We are therefore committed to continue putting more initiatives and efforts into optimising our logistics for the success of the season.

“We apologise to our customers for the [recent] delays,” says Dlanga.