Transnet says it is ready to handle increased fruit export volumes at the Cape Town Container Terminal, which serves as a key link between Western Cape producers and international markets.
This as the deciduous fruit season has been forecasted to increase by 3% in export table grapes, pomegranates, stone fruits, berries, apples, and pears from November 2025 until the end of March 2026.
“We are approaching this season with confidence following recent investments in new equipment which we look forward to using this deciduous season. These newer machines are more resistant to wind which has been a challenge for us over the years,” Western Cape Terminals Managing Executive, Oscar Borchards said.
The terminal’s heightened state of readiness is a direct result of strategic investment in state-of-the-art equipment, focused maintenance, continuous process improvement and effective people management across Transnet Port Terminals’ (TPT’s) terminals, the operating division of Transnet.
In the 2025/2026 financial year, Transnet Port Terminals (TPT) plans to spend R4 billion in five terminals across KwaZulu-Natal, Western Cape and Eastern Cape.
To enhance efficiency, the Cape Town Container Terminal has received 28 brand new rubber-tyred gantry cranes (RTGs), with nine of the RTGs already operational.
The second set of nine machines is currently nearing the end of the commissioning stage, while the last batch of 10 is being assembled.
The new equipment boasts both anti-sway technology and diesel-electric hybrid engines.
The Cape Town Container Terminal has put mitigation measures in place to better manage operations during windy periods.
These include closely monitoring of the truck booking system when the terminal is windbound, which entails cancelling all appointments should operations be halted for longer than four hours.
The terminal will also follow a staggering approach on imports/exports stack dates, segregating reefers, empties and full containers to create fluidity.
The Cape Town Container Terminal will work synergistically with the Cape Town Multipurpose Terminal to manage peak periods during the season.
Smaller vessels will be redirected to the multi-purpose terminal to reduce congestion at the container terminal.
Export deciduous fruits are predominantly grown in the Western Cape, with minimal Northern Cape volumes handled through the Cape Terminals.
Originally posted on SAnews.gov.za
