In the week ended 20 July 2025, Transnet Port Terminals (TPT) recorded 101,295 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), 15% above its weekly target of all container terminals combined. This feat was last seen in the 2017/2018 financial year, when the operator achieved 101,871 TEUs, which still remains the current record.
The terminal operator has seen consistent performance improvements since the implementation of the Recovery Plan. TPT has also been exceeding targets for the arrival, berthing and departure of vessels, in line with its shipping agreements, and there have been no vessel backlogs and delays across port terminals nationwide.
This follows a combination of real-time performance reporting, introduction of a new incentive scheme and an intensive focus on equipment replacement – along with the introduction of a fourth shift across all terminals, which contributed towards the achievement of a balance between performance and employee wellness. The delivery of key cargo handling equipment, such as straddle carriers, rubber-tyred gantry cranes, haulers, reach stackers, and empty container handlers, has particularly supported the drive towards volume and productivity improvements.
TPT handles South Africa’s containers across its Durban Container Terminals Pier 1 and Pier 2, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth and Ngqura container terminals. Annually, the operator handles over four million containers, with plans to increase volumes by seeking new partners and exploring new markets.
Recent initiatives have strengthened customer collaboration, encouraged integrated planning and sharing of best practice. With National Treasury allowances, TPT has been able to fast-track its equipment acquisition plan, and where lead times were long, cargo owners and customers have moved TPT to the front of the line. More new equipment is planned to arrive in Cape Town, Durban before the end of this calendar year.
TPT is currently in citrus mid-season, preparing to close strong before the retail season begins in October.
