The Cape Town Container Terminal (CTCT) has received components for the first of nine new rubber-tyred gantry (RTG) cranes, part of a fleet of 28 being supplied by original equipment manufacturer Liebherr Africa. Assembly of the cranes has already commenced onsite.
CTCT stated that the investment will significantly benefit agricultural producers and regional exporters by improving efficiency and resilience in cargo handling operations.
Equipped with advanced anti-sway technology, the new RTGs are capable of operating at speeds of up to 90 km/h in windy conditions—an improvement from the current cranes, which operate at a maximum of 72 km/h under similar circumstances.
“This upgrade offers a significant opportunity to enhance our operational efficiency, especially during adverse weather,” said Oscar Borchards, Managing Executive of Western Cape Terminals.
He noted that operations would only be suspended in extreme weather conditions.
The RTGs also feature a diesel-electric hybrid system and are powered by Tier 3 EPA-certified engines, reducing environmental impact.
Additional enhancements include integrated video cameras with clear 3D views to support precision in load and spreader handling, as well as overall crane operations.
CTCT confirmed that the technical team is currently focused on crane assembly, commissioning, endurance testing, and operator training.
The full process is expected to take up to five months before handover to terminal operations.
The terminal is scheduled to receive the next batch of nine RTGs in November 2025, with the final 10 cranes arriving in June 2026.
Rubber-tyred gantry cranes are primarily used for stacking containers and transferring them between yard stacks and ship-to-shore cranes, playing a vital role in port logistics.
