Once ranked among the world’s worst-performing ports, Durban Container Terminal (DCT) is now signaling a turnaround, with Transnet SOC Ltd unveiling four state-of-the-art ship-to-shore (STS) cranes at Pier 2. Valued at R967 million, the new cranes are expected to significantly enhance operational efficiency, cargo-handling capacity, and global competitiveness.
Two of the cranes are already being commissioned, with endurance testing and operational handover scheduled for late October 2025, while the remaining two cranes are set to be operational by the end of November. The new equipment replaces an aging fleet that had reached the end of its lifecycle, part of Transnet Port Terminals’ (TPT) broader capital expenditure program aimed at modernising South Africa’s container handling infrastructure.
Earlier this year, TPT also introduced 20 straddle carriers and nine rubber-tyred gantries (RTGs) to Pier 2 and Pier 1, respectively. Early signs of progress are already evident: during the recently concluded citrus season, Pier 2 recorded a 28.8% year-on-year increase in throughput, highlighting the tangible impact of these investments. TPT has earmarked R4 billion for equipment acquisition across its terminals in the 2025/26 financial year.
Equipped by Liebherr Africa with advanced technology, the cranes promise not only improved lifting capacity but also reduced environmental impact through lower energy consumption. Positioned at the terminal’s edge, the cranes can efficiently load and unload containers, even under higher wind conditions, and are the only tandem-lift cranes in Africa capable of handling 80 tons at a time.
Speaking at the launch, Transnet Group CEO Michelle Phillips emphasised the strategic significance of the investment: “This is more than steel and technology. These cranes reinforce Transnet’s commitment to improving service and operational efficiency. Faster processing of cargo directly supports South Africa’s export-led growth strategy, boosting competitiveness and economic prosperity.”
Durban Container Terminal Pier 2 handles 60% of the country’s container volumes and has long been a critical hub for regional trade. While the port faced global criticism in the past for inefficiency, the recent wave of infrastructure upgrades signals a decisive move toward reversing that reputation. With modernised equipment, improved throughput, and faster vessel turnaround, Durban Port is positioning itself to reclaim its status as a world-class maritime gateway.
