Transnet’s Cape Town Container Terminal (CTCT) has exceeded its reefer targets by 62% over the past two months, the terminal reported this week.
This was despite the terminal recording a decline of overall container movements of 53% in April due to wind and fog that resulted in 13 days of no operations.
However, CTCT said it remained ahead of target by 22% for the period from February to April.
“Our key priority is to deliver on volume throughput and meet our customers’ expectation,” said Acting Western Cape Managing Executive, Oscar Borchards.
“Berthing vessels within their allocated slots and continuous improvement of our ship working hours (SWH) targets are also our focus.”
He said CTCT had reviewed its quarterly targets on key performance indicators with an SWH target of 26 for the first quarter (April to June), which is set to increase by four in each quarter until the terminal reaches the target of 40 for the January to March 2025 period.
“For May, CTCT is on target with the SWH of 26, while the past two weeks (from 5-19 May), the terminal reached 27. This is encouraging and makes us confident that we are on the right path,” said Borchards.
Transnet said CTCT had increased the number of internal haulers from 32 to 46 and had taken delivery of two reach stackers and two empty container handlers. The terminal expects to take delivery of an additional 10 haulers in June, while a further 47 new haulers, currently on order, are expected to arrive in August.
“These interventions, which are inclusive of new equipment and our continuous improvement initiatives, are a testament to our readiness for the citrus season. Our plans are done in collaboration with the customers, and we continue to align via various platforms, including a daily war room meeting,” said Borchards.