The Cape Town Container Terminal (CTCT), operated by Transnet Port Terminals, is undergoing a significant transformation with the arrival of the first batch of 28 state-of-the-art rubber-tyred gantries (RTGs). This development marks a pivotal step in the terminal’s ongoing efforts to enhance operational efficiency and meet the growing demands of South Africa’s maritime trade sector as of 8 April 2025.
First Batch of Advanced RTGs Arrives
The initial consignment of 28 RTGs, supplied by Liebherr, a globally recognized leader in port equipment manufacturing, has been successfully offloaded at the terminal. These new machines come equipped with advanced features designed to improve performance and resilience. Notably, the RTGs boast anti-sway technology, which ensures greater precision during cargo handling, and can withstand wind speeds of up to 90 kilometres per hour—a critical capability given Cape Town’s often blustery conditions. Liebherr, as the original equipment manufacturer, is overseeing the delivery, with the assembly and commissioning process now underway. Transnet estimates that this phase will take up to five months, after which the RTGs will be fully integrated into the terminal’s operations.
Phased Delivery to Enhance Capacity
This upgrade is part of a broader equipment rollout for the CTCT. An additional nine RTGs are slated to arrive in August 2025, followed by a final batch of 10 in November 2025. Once complete, the terminal will have a total of 47 new RTGs, significantly bolstering its capacity to handle container traffic. This phased delivery schedule reflects Transnet’s strategic approach to minimising disruptions while progressively modernising the facility.
Addressing Past Challenges
The introduction of these RTGs comes at a crucial time for the Cape Town Container Terminal, which has faced challenges related to operational inefficiencies and equipment reliability in recent years. Transnet’s investment in cutting-edge machinery aligns with its broader recovery plan, which aims to revitalize South Africa’s port infrastructure and restore its competitiveness in global trade networks. The CTCT, a key gateway for exports and imports in the Western Cape, is expected to see improved turnaround times and increased throughput as a result of this upgrade.
Liebherr’s Role in Modernization
Liebherr’s involvement underscores the project’s scale and ambition. Known for its high-quality cranes and port equipment, the manufacturer’s partnership with Transnet signals confidence in the terminal’s future. The collaboration highlights a targeted effort to enhance container stacking and movement efficiency—critical components of port productivity.
Looking Ahead
As assembly progresses over the coming months, stakeholders in the shipping and logistics sectors will be watching closely to see how these improvements translate into real-world performance. The full deployment of the RTGs by late 2025 is poised to position the Cape Town Container Terminal as a more reliable and efficient hub, supporting economic growth in the region and beyond. For now, Transnet’s commitment to modernisation is clear, and the arrival of the first RTGs marks a promising milestone in the port’s evolution.