The Durban Container Terminal (DCT) Pier 2 has taken delivery of the first of 20 diesel-electric straddle carriers, marking a significant milestone in its fleet renewal program.
The straddle carrier, delivered this week, will undergo assembly and commissioning on-site, with four additional carriers set to be handed over for endurance testing later this month. Full operations are expected to begin in mid-January 2025.
This delivery is part of DCT’s ongoing fleet recovery plan, which also included earlier investments in haulers and reach stackers. Valued at over R440 million, the 20 straddle carriers will be fully operational by the end of May 2025.
“This delivery marks a crucial investment in the future of DCT Pier 2 and is a major step forward in enhancing our operational efficiency,” said Earle Peters, Managing Executive of Durban Terminals.
“The addition of these modern, diesel-electric straddle carriers will significantly improve our container handling capabilities and support recovery efforts.”
The components of the straddle carriers were shipped from Würzburg, Germany, aboard the MSC Carole five weeks ago by the original equipment manufacturer, Konecranes Noells. After assembly, the carriers will undergo endurance testing before being handed over for operations.
Straddle carriers play a vital role in DCT Pier 2’s daily operations, enhancing the speed and precision of container loading and unloading, ensuring smoother vessel operations and greater efficiency at the terminal.
