The Durban Container Terminal (DCT) Pier 2 has taken delivery of a further 13 electric straddle carriers, improving the availability and reliability of equipment across waterside, landside and rail operations.

In total, DCT Pier 2 now has 15 new electric straddle carriers that are planned for commissioning and handover to operations in August.

The remaining eight will also be arriving in August, to complete the full order for the current calendar year. 

The investment is a direct response to industry calls and Transnet Port Terminals’ (TPT's) commitment to improved service at the largest container operation in the southern hemisphere.

The eighth-generation equipment arrived fully assembled and features improved drive technology, starting reliability, maintainability, safety, usability and ergonomics, as well as an ability for a computer application to read data from the control system via Ethernet – providing comprehensive detail on statistics, real-time performance data and operational reports.  

“Observing the necessary governance processes in acquiring these assets . . . was necessary although it may have seemed like a long wait. Even while we waited, our employees were giving us 100% effort despite ageing equipment and challenges posed by Covid-19,” Pier 2 terminal manager Zamo Ngcobo says.

He adds that TPT is confident of new performance records at DCT with the boost in operational equipment.

DCT Pier 2 is one of 16 sea-cargo and three inland terminals operated by TPT that have benefited from the R2-billion set aside to invest in replacement equipment this current calendar year.

The Port Elizabeth and Cape Town container terminals have taken delivery of two mobile harbour cranes and four straddle carriers respectively.

The Durban Point Multipurpose Terminal has also taken receipt of four new reach stackers at a cost of R47-million to boost its container handling service that also serves as a diversion contingency for the DCT's Pier 1 and 2.

The East London Multipurpose Terminal will soon receive four straddle carriers to better service the automotive sector while a new tippler for the Saldanha Bulk Terminal will support growing bulk volumes attributed to the mining activities in the country.

The Richards Bay Bulk Terminal will also take delivery of five excavators, a ship loader and a new conveyor belt that will unlock tippler capacity.