Port Elizabeth Terminal acquires US$12.7M crane to boost container handling
The newly acquired ship-to-shore crane is expected to speed up operations and support key export sectors.
SOUTH AFRICA – The Port Elizabeth Container Terminal has acquired a R240 million (US$12.7 million) ship-to-shore crane from Liebherr Africa, replacing aging equipment and strengthening its capacity to handle growing agricultural and automotive container traffic.
The crane, equipped with modern technology and reduced energy usage, takes the place of a unit that had served for over 35 years.
It is now positioned at the edge of the terminal, ready to load and offload containers more efficiently from larger vessels.
Speaking during the crane launch event on Monday, Transnet Chairperson Dr Andile Sangqu said the acquisition reflects Transnet’s ongoing push for reliability.
“The arrival of the Ship-to-Shore crane represents far more than just a logistical milestone; it symbolises Transnet’s unwavering commitment to efficiency and reliability. Investments in critical equipment are central to Transnet’s drive to overcome operational hurdles, improve efficiency and fulfil its crucial role in South Africa’s logistics ecosystem.”
Strengthening infrastructure across Ports
The crane is part of a larger equipment upgrade plan. In March 2025, Transnet Port Terminals (TPT) introduced 20 new straddle carriers and nine rubber-tyred gantries (RTGs) to improve operations at Durban Container Terminal Pier 2 and Pier 1.
These developments fall under a R3 billion investment to improve equipment availability and raise performance across all container terminals.
“In an operating environment that demands agility, efficiency and precision are non-negotiable,” Dr Sangqu said.
“Transnet recognises that reliability and improved responsiveness are the foundation of mutually beneficial long-term partnerships because every minute counts and delays can have profoundly negative consequences. We want to be the force that propels our partners to excel in a sector that expects nothing less.”
The Port Elizabeth Container Terminal handles over 150,000 TEUs annually, serving key sectors in the Eastern Cape. Over the past few years, exporters—especially those in fresh produce—have struggled with delays and cold-chain failures at major ports such as Cape Town and Durban.
These problems led to container shortages, missed shipment windows, and an estimated R2.5 billion (US$131.55 million) loss for the fruit industry during the 2021/2022 season.
The crane acquisition is seen as a move toward fixing some of these long-standing concerns. While more investment is still needed, this development has raised cautious optimism among exporters looking for faster, more reliable service at South African ports.
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