Transnet upgrades Durban cranes

Pier 2 is one of two container terminals in the Port of Durban operated by Transnet Port Terminals. During the financial year ended March 2011 the terminal only achieved an average of 23 container moves per hour, mainly due to breakdowns in port equipment. This increased slightly to 24.5 lifts in the last quarter; in comparison, operations at Pier 1 achieved 29.5 lifts per hour over the same quarter.

The 80-tonne lift capacity cranes, which will be installed during the 2012/13 financial year, are to be designed to suit future deepened of the north quay berths at Pier 2 and will be capable of servicing the new generation megamax container vessels.

The purchase of the cranes follows the recent implementation of a NAVIS Sparcs N4 terminal operating system (TOS) at the port and the first delivery of 28 new diesel-electric straddle carriers, 14 of which have twin lift capability. Delivery of the straddles will be completed by the end of December this year.