Ngqura Container Terminal
The Ngqura Container Terminal (NCT), in the Eastern Cape, has recruited 36 lifting equipment operators to run a full three-berth operation when South Africa’s citrus season begins in April.
The operators have started with their on-the-job training, which is designed to enable the operation of ship-to-shore cranes and rubber-tyred gantry (RTG) cranes.
Ship-to-shore crane training will take six weeks, while the RTG training will take three months.
“This boost in operator capacity will enhance the terminal’s productivity, which will, in turn, attract demand. We are excited at the prospects,” says NCT senior operations manager Malixole Mahobe.
Last year, the Eastern Cape container terminals handled higher citrus volumes than the previous three years, with a volume increase of 12%.
Inclement weather disrupts NCT operations from time to time. Hence, to recover, the terminal diverts some vessels to the neighbouring Port Elizabeth Container Terminal, in agreement with shipping lines and draft allowance as there is capacity.
The NCT is South Africa’s only dedicated transshipment terminal. It is also the newest of all the terminals, having opened in 2009.