Transnet's R700m crane buy to boost Durbs

Durban - Seven ship to shore cranes worth R700m were unveiled by Public Enterprises Minister Malusi Gigaba at Transnet's Durban container terminal on Monday.

"They are the biggest in Africa and can handle new generation vessels with 24 containers stowed across the deck," said Gigaba.

The new equipment could simultaneously handle two 12-metre containers or four six-metre containers and could lift up to a maximum of 80 tons, he said.

The cranes were acquired to boost productivity and efficiency at the Durban port, which was Transnet's busiest.

Transnet group CEO Brian Molefe said the cranes could move 33 boxes an hour. The old ones had moved 18 boxes an hour.

He said the cranes would make the port more attractive because the company would work faster and be more efficient.

Transnet employees had been sent for training to ensure they could operate the cranes, he said.

Employees had to develop their operational skills, container planning, technical support, and maintenance skills, he said.

The cranes were supplied by the Chinese manufacturer, Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries.

"The cranes are part of government's infrastructure investment plan and are vital to the plan to improve the Durban to Gauteng freight corridor," said Gigaba.

Gigaba said the Durban port project will create better access to markets for firms along the corridor between Durban and Gauteng.

"It will move our economy forwards. That's for sure. By 2030 the Durban Gauteng freight corridor should be a model for how to optimise a freight corridor."

Gigaba said the Durban container terminal is the first in the southern hemisphere to have these types of cranes.

"Over the next 20 years, Transnet will increase the current capacity of 45 cranes in seven ports and purchase 39 more cranes to further develop South African ports to world class levels," Gigaba said.

Durban currently handles about 2.5 million teus of containers, and is expected to grow this number to 12 million teus over the next 20 years.

The 20-foot container, referred to as a twenty-foot equivalent unit (teu), is the standard reference unit for the industry.

Gigaba also touched on the plans for the new Durban dugout port that is planned for the Durban's former airport site. He said this new port facility will be developed between 2016-2039.

"We must never stop planning and investing in infrastructure capacity," Gigaba said. He added that this will help ensure South Africa's economic growth at required levels.

 - Fin24 and Sapa

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