The Durban Multipurpose Terminal (MPT) has hit a historic milestone by handling over 200 000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in the 2024/25 financial year—smashing its annual target of 131 100 TEUs and setting a new all-time record.
Previously, the terminal’s highest recorded throughput stood at 182 198 TEUs, achieved during the 2020/21 financial year.
This latest achievement, according to Transnet Port Terminals (TPT), is a major step in restoring the port’s efficiency and credibility.
Located right next to the Durban Container Terminals (DCT), the MPT plays a vital role as a backup terminal.
It was key in clearing a serious vessel backlog earlier in 2024 – from 20 ships anchored to zero – thanks to its discharge-only setup and recent upgrades in equipment.
TPT’s managing executive, Jabu Mdaki, acknowledged the rough patch Durban Port faced in 2023, marked by congestion and vessel delays.
“We faced a crisis,” he said. “But through collaboration with shipping lines, which allowed the rerouting of some vessels to MPT, we managed to beat the odds.”
Equipment improvements have been crucial.
The terminal took delivery of four reach stackers in the past five years, with more mobile harbour cranes on the way.
Mdaki confirmed that Transnet is expediting the crane procurement process to boost capacity quickly.
The broader recovery plan includes a R3.4 billion investment across Transnet’s 16 sea-cargo terminals to improve infrastructure and service delivery.
Recent investments in Durban include 20 straddle carriers for DCT Pier 2 and 9 rubber-tyred gantry cranes for DCT Pier 1.
Earle Peters, managing executive at Durban Terminals, credited the terminal’s success to “a growing team, improving economy, and strategic operational decisions.”
He also praised the dedicated workforce for delivering reliable cargo handling despite equipment limitations.
Shipping giant MSC’s chairman, Captain Salvatore Sarno, added his voice to the praise: “MPT’s performance meant less waiting time at anchorage, allowing cargo to reach customers up to a week earlier. With more mobile cranes, Durban could easily exceed 200 000 TEUs.”
With this level of momentum, MPT is proving that with the right strategy, collaboration, and equipment, Durban can climb back to the top of the port game in Africa.
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