The Cape Town Multi-Purpose Terminal (MPT) has taken delivery of five straddle carriers to boost increasing volumes in the region. The straddle carriers arrived fully assembled aboard vessel MSC Lilou and will immediately be handed over to operations and start operating once offloading has concluded.
The straddle carriers boast of improved drive technology, engine starting reliability, graphical user interface and a new stradmonitor tool for easy and quick troubleshooting and configuration. The new technology will make it easier for the operators to operate this equipment. The delivery of this new equipment is a response to industry calls for equipment that will improve performance in Cape Town MPT operations, and come in time for the country’s promising citrus season.
Managing Executive Saldanha Terminals Andiswa Dlanga said, “It was important for the Cape Town MPT to create container handling capacity in order to provide a complimentary service to the Cape Town Container Terminal when the terminal goes wind bound and cannot operate due to high wind speeds but also to grow container volumes. As such, commissioning and endurance testing was conducted at the Durban Container Terminals”.
She added that the acquisition of the straddle carriers would also mitigate against strong winds since the equipment could work through wind speeds of up to 90km/h. This acquisition will go a long way in offering a reliable service in the export of fruit, a much needed boost for the growth of the Western Cape and South African economy and beyond.
MPT has seen a revival in demand of fruit exports as major economies are starting to enjoy improved business sentiment and recovery from Covid-19 pandemic. The Cape Town MPT, with its origins dating as far back as 1947 – has been a dedicated import and export terminal for a large variety of commodities including fertilizer, soda ash, soya, sunflower pellets, wheat, maize, cement and containerized cargo – playing a critical role in complementing the Container Terminal.
For more information:
Lipuo Lebakeng
Transnet Port Terminals
Tel: +27 73 800 0497
Email: lipuo.lebakeng@transnet.net
www.transnetportterminals.net