The Port Elizabeth Container Terminal has acquired a new ship-to-shore crane valued at R240-million to increase its container throughput and its capacity to handle larger vessels efficiently.

The Port Elizabeth Container Terminal handles more than 150 000 twenty-foot equivalent units every year, serving largely the agriculture and automotive industries in the Eastern Cape.

The new crane replaces another one that has reached the end of its life after operating for over 35 years, giving assurance to industry of the terminal’s equipment replacement plan.

Original-equipment manufacturer Liebherr Africa has equipped the crane with the latest technology and minimised environmental impact, demonstrated by the crane’s reduced energy consumption.

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

The crane is part of several investments in Transnet’s pipeline.

Transnet Port Terminals (TPT) last month unveiled 20 straddle carriers and nine rubber-tyred gantries, which will enhance its operations at Durban Container Terminal Pier 2 and Pier 1, respectively.

The new fleet is part of TPT’s R3-billion investment to boost equipment availability and operational efficiencies across its container terminals.

Speaking during the launch of the ship-to-shore crane on April 14, Transnet chairperson Dr Andile Sangqu said the arrival of the ship-to-shore crane represents more than just a logistical milestone, it symbolises Transnet’s unwavering commitment to efficiency and reliability.

“Investments in critical equipment are central to Transnet’s drive to overcome operational hurdles, improve efficiency and fulfil its crucial role in South Africa’s logistics ecosystem,” he added.

Sangqu continued that, in an operating environment that demands agility, efficiency and precision are non-negotiable.

Transnet recognises that reliability and improved responsiveness are the foundation of mutually beneficial long-term partnerships because every minute counts and delays can have profoundly negative consequences.

“We want to be the force that propels our partners to excel in a sector that expects nothing less,” Sangqu said.