The Port of Cape Town Container Terminal is rolling out operational upgrades ahead of South Africa's deciduous fruit export season, which starts in November and is forecast to see a 3% increase in volumes through March 2026. Transport Minister Barbara Creecy visited the terminal to assess readiness for the export period, which remains an important element of the country's farm economy.
Transnet Port Terminals has allocated US$214 million in capital expenditure across major terminals for 2025 and 2026. Cape Town's share includes 28 new rubber-tyred gantry cranes fitted with anti-sway technology and hybrid diesel-electric engines. Nine RTGs are already operating, another nine are completing commissioning, and the remaining 10 are being assembled. "These newer machines are more resistant to wind, which has been a challenge for us," said Oscar Borchards, Western Cape Terminals managing executive. Last season, the terminal handled more than 230,000 refrigerated containers.
The deciduous fruit sector employs thousands and depends heavily on export logistics, with around 80% of volumes routed through Cape Town to Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Industry groups have welcomed improved cooperation with Transnet after previous seasons affected by higher costs, load shedding, and delays at ports.
To manage risk during the export window, the terminal has introduced windbound response protocols, staggered container stack dates, increased reefer plug points, and dedicated handling teams. Smaller vessels will be shifted to the Cape Town Multipurpose Terminal when congestion builds. Additional container vessel calls and specialised reefer vessels may also be used during peak weeks.
Port performance remains a core component in maintaining South Africa's role in global fruit supply programs and in supporting rural economies in the Western Cape.
Source: Cape Business News
