Cape Town Terminal Gets 7 Pre-Used RTG Cranes

Transnet's Cape Town Container Terminal (CTCT) received delivery of seven pre-used rubber-tyred gantry cranes (RTGs) as part of the Transnet Port Terminals' (TPT) plan to enhance operations and improve productivity.

TPT's official X handle, formerly known as Twitter, posted the photos of the RTGs on Tuesday.

"Cape Town Container Terminal (CTCT) has received a delivery of seven pre-used rubber-tyred gantry cranes (RTGs). The acquisition of the RTGs is part of Transnet Port Terminals' (TPT) turnaround plan, priorities include equipment availability to support operational efficiencies," the company wrote.

Andiswa Dlanga, Western Cape Terminals Managing Executive, said additional RTGs will offer a reliable service to the customers and give a much-needed boost to South Africa's economy.

"As a business, we are committed to delivering on our promise to customers and industry, thus equipment availability and reliability are at the core of what we do. These additional machines will enable us to improve operational performance and turn-around vessels on time," Dlanga added, SA News reported.

TPT noted that the arrival of the new cranes will increase total number of RTGs in the terminal to 27, a timely boost ahead of the peak deciduous season, which was its busiest period.

"Out of the 20 RTGs, seven of them 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," the company added.

TPT stated that over the next few days, the engineering team will commission all the seven RTGs to ensure readiness before they were officially handed over to operations. Concurrently, the operations team will roll out training to operators who will be working on the additional RTG machines.

TPT noted that this acquisition of RTGs showed its commitment toward the industry and the stakeholders, adding that more "reliable equipment directly leads to improved productivity while also ensuring seamless vessel movement within the port."

Transnet, founded in 1990, takes care of rail, port and pipeline across South Africa and its major stake is with the South African government.

In October, the company's rail division said that it required R50 billion investment to boost sector's capacity and performance. According to the acting general manager, Bessie Mabunda, certain lines require more intensive maintenance due to their old age and bad weather conditions.