Cape town: 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 preparation comes in anticipation of a 3% increase in the export of deciduous fruits, including table grapes, pomegranates, stone fruits, berries, apples, and pears, from November 2025 until the end of March 2026.
According to South African Government News Agency, Western Cape Terminals Managing Executive, Oscar Borchards, expressed confidence for the upcoming season, citing recent investments in new equipment as a pivotal factor. The new machinery, which is more resistant to wind, addresses a longstanding challenge faced by the terminal.
The terminal’s readiness is the result of strategic investment in cutting-edge equipment, focused maintenance, continuous process improvement, and effective people management across Transnet Port Terminals’ (TPT’s) facilities. In the 2025/2026 financial year, TPT plans to invest R4 billion across five terminals located in KwaZulu-Natal, Western Cape, and Eastern Cape.
To boost efficiency, the Cape Town Container Terminal has acquired 28 new rubber-tyred gantry cranes (RTGs), with nine already operational. The second batch of nine cranes is nearing the end of commissioning, while the final set of 10 is currently being assembled. These cranes feature anti-sway technology and diesel-electric hybrid engines.
The terminal has implemented mitigation measures to better manage operations during windy conditions. These include monitoring the truck booking system and canceling appointments if operations are halted for more than four hours. Additionally, a staggering approach on import/export stack dates will be adopted, segregating reefers, empties, and full containers to maintain operational fluidity.
The Cape Town Container Terminal will collaborate with the Cape Town Multipurpose Terminal to handle peak periods during the fruit export season. Smaller vessels will be redirected to the multipurpose terminal to reduce congestion at the container terminal. Export deciduous fruits are primarily grown in the Western Cape, with minimal volumes from the Northern Cape processed through the Cape Terminals.