Seven RTGs being delivered to the Cape Town Container Terminal
The Cape Town Container Terminal (CTCT) took delivery of seven pre-used rubber-tyred gantry cranes (RTGs) on December 11.
The acquisition of the RTGs is part of State-owned Transnet Port Terminals’ (TPT's) turnaround plan, the key priorities of which include ensuring equipment availability to support operational efficiencies.
The delivery of the RTGs coincides with the peak of the deciduous fruit season, which is the busiest time for the terminal.
“The acquisition of RTGs is a display of TPT’s commitment to the industry and stakeholders as more reliable equipment directly leads to improved productivity while also ensuring seamless vessel movement within the port,” TPT said.
“The additional RTGs in our terminal will go a long way in offering a reliable service to our customers, a much-needed boost for the growth of the Western Cape and South Africa’s economy. These additional machines will enable us to improve operational performance and turn-around vessels on time,” said TPT Western Cape Terminals managing executive Andiswa Dlanga.
“We are committed to deliver on our promise to customers and industry, thus equipment availability and reliability are at the core of what we do,” he said.
Prior to the delivery, CTCT operated with 20 RTGs, of which seven were recently fitted with new engines and three with generators.
CTCT is currently completing maintenance repairs on two additional RTGs, which will bring the total number to 29, TPT said.
“Over the next few days, the CTCT engineering team will spend time commissioning all the seven RTGs to ensure readiness before they are officially handed over to operations. Simultaneously, the CTCT operations team will roll out training to operators who will be working on the additional RTG machines.”