Boosted productivity allows container terminal operator to manage more than 100,000 containers on a weekly basis
Transnet Port Terminals (TPT) has made significant strides in improving container handling volumes and efficiency, as the company aims to close strong before the retail season begins in October.
Recent initiatives have led to TPT exceeding its weekly targets, with the week ended 20 July 2025 seeing the company handle a record-breaking 101,295 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), which is 15% above its combined weekly target for all container terminals. This is the highest weekly volume since the 2017/2018 financial year, when TPT achieved 101,871 TEUs.
TPT's impressive performance can be attributed to several improvements and initiatives. The Performance Recovery Plan, implemented since its inception, has resulted in consistent performance improvements, with the company surpassing weekly targets by 15%. The Real-time Performance Reporting and new Incentive Scheme have helped enhance operational efficiency and motivated staff.
TPT has also accelerated the acquisition and deployment of critical cargo handling equipment such as straddle carriers, rubber-tyred gantry cranes, haulers, reach stackers, and empty container handlers. This has directly contributed to higher volumes and productivity. The company has fast-tracked equipment deliveries, especially in Durban and Cape Town.
The introduction of a fourth work shift across all terminals has balanced performance gains with employee wellness, enabling extended operational hours and increased throughput. TPT has also strengthened collaboration with customers and cargo owners, encouraging integrated planning and sharing of best practices to improve overall efficiency.
TPT's efforts have not gone unnoticed, as cargo owners and customers have moved the company to the front of the line due to short lead times. More new equipment is planned to arrive in Cape Town and Durban before the end of this calendar year.
The company's improved performance has also extended to vessel handling, with TPT exceeding targets related to vessel arrival, berthing, and departure times. Compliance rates have improved across major terminals such as Ngqura, Port Elizabeth, Cape Town, and Durban. For example, Ngqura terminal achieved 96% compliance with shipping agreements in May 2025.
TPT's capacity utilization has also increased with the availability of new berths (e.g., Berth 108 at Durban Container Terminal Pier 2) and forthcoming assembly of new ship-to-shore cranes. Financial support from National Treasury has allowed TPT to fast-track equipment acquisition, reducing lead times by prioritizing orders for essential cargo handling machinery.
In summary, TPT's recent improvements include strategic equipment upgrades, operational changes like additional shifts, enhanced real-time tracking, better customer collaboration, elimination of vessel delays, and new infrastructure, all contributing to increased volumes and efficiency in container handling. The company currently handles containers at Durban Container Terminals Pier 1 and Pier 2, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, and Ngqura container terminals in South Africa. TPT annually handles over four million containers and plans to increase volumes by seeking new partners and exploring new markets.
- The retail industry could potentially benefit from Transnet Port Terminals' (TPT) enhanced container handling efficiencies and increased volumes, as the company aims to handle over four million containers annually and is seeking new partners to further boost its capabilities.
- Given TPT's success in the aerospace, finance, transportation, and retail industries due to improvements in container handling and efficiency, there might be opportunities for collaboration with companies in the aerospace industry, requiring secure and efficient cargo handling solutions.
