Transnet boosts efficiency at Durban Container Terminal with nearly R1bn crane investment

TRANSNET has announced a major boost to capacity and efficiency at the Durban Container Terminal (DCT) Pier 2 with the introduction of four new ship-to-shore (STS) cranes valued at R967 million.

- YOGASHEN PILLAY

The State-owned logistics group said the new cranes are part of a broader effort to modernise its infrastructure, improve turnaround times, and enhance South Africa's global trade competitiveness. According to Transnet, the cranes-manufactured by Liebherr Africa-will replace an ageing fleet that has reached the end of its operational life.

"Two of the cranes are being commissioned, with endurance testing and operational handover scheduled to start in the last week of October 2025," Transnet said. "The remaining two cranes are being assembled and are planned to undergo commissioning and operational handover by the end of November 2025."

The new fleet forms part of Transnet Port Terminals' (TPT's) capital expenditure programme aimed at strengthening cargo-handling equipment across South Africa's ports.

In March 2025, TPT introduced 20 straddle carriers and nine rubber-tyred gantries (RTGs) at DCT Piers 1 and 2, respectively-investments that have already begun yielding results.