State-owned Transnet on October 23 launched four new ship-to-shore (STS) cranes, valued at R967-million, at the Durban Container Terminal (DCT) Pier 2, aimed at enhancing the terminal’s operational efficiency, cargo-handling capacity and competitiveness.

The new STS cranes will replace an old fleet, which has reached the end of its lifecycle.

Two of the cranes are being commissioned, with endurance testing and operational handover scheduled to start in the last week of October.

The remaining two cranes are being assembled and are planned to undergo commissioning and operational handover by the end of November.

The new fleet is part of Transnet Port Terminal’s (TPT’s) capital expenditure to strengthen the cargo-handling fleet across its container terminals.

In March, TPT unveiled 20 straddle carriers and nine rubber-tyred gantries (RTGs) for DCT Pier 2 and Pier 1, respectively.

This investment is already yielding tangible results, which is affirmed by the recently concluded citrus season, where DCT Pier 2 recorded a year-on-year increase of 28.8%, TPT indicates.

The entity has set aside R4-billion for acquiring equipment across its business in financial year 2025/26.

Original-equipment manufacturer Liebherr Africa has equipped the cranes with the latest technology and minimised environmental impact, demonstrated by its reduced energy consumption, TPT points out.

Positioned at the terminal’s edge, the cranes are said to boast advanced cargo-handling features, including increased lifting capacity, to efficiently load and unload containers on calling vessels.

“The arrival and commissioning of these STS cranes represents more than just steel and technology. It is a reinforcement of Transnet’s commitment to improving service offering through investment in new equipment. These cranes will enable us to turn vessels faster, to operate in higher winds and match the world-class efficiency that global trade demands,” Transnet group CE Michelle Phillips said at the launch.

“This investment is a symbol of our commitment to ensure that cargo moves through our port terminals with the required speed and reliability. Faster processing of cargo at our terminals directly supports South Africa’s export-led growth strategy, boosting global trade competitiveness and economic prosperity.

“These new STS cranes replace an old fleet that had reached its end-of-lifecycle. The investment is set up to increase the terminal’s volume throughput and significantly boost productivity and efficiency levels,” Phillips added.

The DCT Pier 2 is highlighted as the largest and busiest container facility in Southern Africa – handling about 60% of the country’s container volumes.

Pier 2 is currently the only facility in Africa with tandem lift cranes that have a carrying capacity of 80 t at a time, TPT informs.