By: Phakeme Mnguni
Transport Minister Barbara Creecy has handed over two of the four new ship-to-shore cranes at the Durban Container Terminal’s Pier 2, marking a major step in Transnet’s efforts to modernise South Africa’s busiest port.
The cranes, part of a R967-million investment, are expected to improve cargo handling capacity, enhance reliability, and bring the port closer to meeting international performance standards. The equipment replaces an ageing fleet that had reached the end of its life cycle.
Creecy said the new cranes are capable of achieving up to 30 gross crane moves per hour, almost double the previous average of 16.
“We can achieve the international benchmark with these cranes,” she said.
“This investment forms part of our broader turnaround plan to enhance efficiency and competitiveness across Transnet operations.”
The Minister also highlighted the progress made under Transnet’s 18-month recovery plan, which has seen the Durban Container Terminal record a 28.8% increase in volumes handled, while overall port volumes grew by 19% year-on-year.
Creecy said the improvements show that the company’s “Reinvent for Growth” strategy is yielding measurable results following years of operational challenges, including ageing infrastructure, cable theft, and underinvestment.
She added that government remains committed to partnering with the private sector to revitalise the freight logistics network while ensuring that state ownership of strategic infrastructure is maintained.
“Public-private partnerships will help unlock the capital and expertise needed to turn Durban into a world-class logistics hub,” Creecy said.
The handover forms part of Transnet Port Terminals’ plan to spend R4 billion on new equipment across its operations during the current financial year.
