The Durban Container Terminal (DCT) Pier 2 took delivery of the first of 20 diesel-electric straddle carriers for assembly and commissioning onsite this week.
DCT said in a statement that the four straddle carriers would be handed over to operations to start endurance testing towards the end of this month, to be fully operational in mid-January 2025.
The delivery forms part of the terminal’s fleet renewal and recovery plan following its investment in haulers and reach stackers earlier this year.
Valued at more than R440 million, all 20 straddle carriers will be in full operation at the end of May 2025.
“This delivery marks a crucial investment in the future of DCT Pier 2 and a major step forward in enhancing our operational efficiency,” said Durban Terminals managing executive, Earle Peters.
“The addition of these modern, diesel-electric straddle carriers will greatly improve container handling capabilities and foster recovery.”
Original equipment manufacturer Konecranes Noells loaded the components of the straddle carriers aboard the MSC Carole from Würzburg, Germany five weeks ago. The components will be assembled and undergo endurance testing onsite before handover to operations.
Straddle carriers are a critical part of DCT Pier 2's direct operations, supporting the loading and unloading of containers aboard vessels with enhanced precision and speed.
