The Durban Container Terminal (DCT) Pier 2 has received components for the first two of four new ship-to-shore cranes, arriving just in time to enhance container handling capacity ahead of the busy Christmas season.
As part of a broader effort to modernize its cargo handling operations, DCT Pier 2 is upgrading its fleet with advanced equipment under long-term purchase and maintenance contracts.
“Our South Quay has faced significant pressure due to the limitations of our ageing crane fleet,” said Earle Peters, Managing Executive of Durban Terminals.
“The arrival of these Liebherr cranes marks a major step forward in restoring reliability, increasing productivity, and meeting the changing demands of global trade.”
Each ship-to-shore crane, valued at R242 million, is used to load and unload containers from vessels and represents the most significant investment in terminal operations.
The new cranes will replace units that have been in service for more than 20 years. The first two cranes are expected to be operational by October, with the remaining two entering service in November.
Each crane is equipped with a 65-tonne twin-lift capacity, a 65-metre outreach to the centre of the spreader, and a 43-metre lifting height.
They are also designed with an offset landside bogie to allow for rail gauge flexibility—from the current 28.5 metres to 30.48 metres—enabling possible future relocation to other berths.
In support of terminal operations, DCT Pier 2 has also recently added 20 straddle carriers, 40 haulers, 22 forklifts, 26 trailers, and two reach stackers to its fleet.
Over the past 18 months, the terminal has invested approximately R1.5 billion in new equipment to enhance capacity and improve service delivery.
