Durban Container Terminal Pier 2 Unveils New Ship-to-Shore Cranes

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Durban — Transnet SOC Ltd has unveiled four brand-new ship-to-shore (STS) cranes worth R967 million at the Durban Container Terminal (DCT) Pier 2, marking a major investment aimed at improving operational efficiency, cargo-handling capacity, and overall competitiveness at South Africa’s busiest port.

Two of the cranes have already entered the commissioning phase, with endurance testing and operational handover set for the final week of October. The remaining two are currently being assembled and are expected to be operational by the end of November 2025.

This investment forms part of Transnet Port Terminals’ (TPT) broader R4 billion capital expenditure plan for the 2025/26 financial year, focused on modernising cargo-handling equipment across its container terminals. Earlier this year, TPT introduced 20 straddle carriers and nine rubber-tyred gantry cranes (RTGs) across DCT Pier 1 and Pier 2, upgrades that have already paid off, as seen during the recent citrus season where Pier 2 recorded a 28.8% year-on-year increase in cargo volumes.

Manufactured by Liebherr Africa, the new cranes feature cutting-edge technology designed to enhance efficiency while reducing environmental impact through lower energy consumption. Positioned at the quay edge, these cranes have increased lifting capacity and advanced handling systems to load and discharge containers more swiftly from visiting vessels.

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Transnet Group Chief Executive Michelle Phillips described the launch as a milestone for the port operator: “The arrival and commissioning of these STS cranes represents more than just steel and technology. It’s a reinforcement of Transnet’s commitment to improving service offering through investment in new equipment. These cranes will enable us to turn vessels faster, operate at higher wind speeds, and deliver world-class efficiency that global trade demands.”

She added that the investment underscores Transnet’s focus on ensuring faster cargo processing to drive South Africa’s export-led growth strategy and improve global trade competitiveness.

As the largest and busiest container facility in Southern Africa, DCT Pier 2 handles around 60% of South Africa’s container traffic. It also remains the only terminal on the continent equipped with tandem-lift cranes capable of hoisting up to 80 tons at once, a clear testament to Durban’s growing status as a regional logistics powerhouse.