Crane Operations at Cape Town Container Terminal Surpass Expectations by 62%
Cape Town Container Terminal (CTCT) Sets Historic Performance Record
The Cape Town Container Terminal (CTCT) has made a remarkable comeback in the 2025/2026 financial year, achieving significant growth and operational improvements. Noxolo Thabatha, the Terminal Manager, announced that CTCT is in a better position than it was last year.
In the week ending 20 July 2025, CTCT handled 19,931 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), surpassing the target of 12,283 TEUs by 62%. This is the highest weekly volume for CTCT since March 2019. Since April 2025, the terminal has consistently exceeded expectations.
The first quarter of the 2025/2026 financial year was closed 32% above the targeted volumes. This growth reflects the terminal's improved reliability. The terminal's leadership has placed strong emphasis on workforce engagement, ensuring that daily performance targets are clearly communicated.
The resurgence of CTCT is due to focused leadership, strategic investment, and a renewed commitment to operational excellence. Transnet Port Terminals (TPT) has made significant investments in the terminal, including the procurement and delivery of new equipment. From late March 2025 through May 2026, TPT delivered 7 ship-to-shore cranes and 19 rubber-tired gantry cranes (RTGs). Nine of the newly acquired RTG cranes have already been commissioned for operations. Ongoing investment in terminal infrastructure includes the acquisition of 18 new RTG cranes.
The expansion of refrigerated (reefer) container capacity has also played a crucial role in CTCT's growth. In June 2025, refrigerated container throughput increased by 64% compared to the same period last year, driven by efforts to increase reefer capacity and build operational agility to handle perishables.
The strategic development to support agricultural exports has also contributed to CTCT's success. Development plans include expanding CTCT to service agricultural citrus and deciduous fruit linked to the hinterland, integrating the terminal into regional supply chains, and boosting export volumes.
Despite occasional equipment breakdowns and bad weather, these initiatives have led to historic terminal performance, with throughput significantly above target, marking a strong resurgence in 2025/2026. The CTCT's critical role in supporting South Africa's export economy is highlighted by this achievement. The terminal sets a new benchmark for excellence in terminal operations.
The CTCT's performance is a beacon of progress within Transnet Port Terminals (TPT). CTCT's continued recovery and growth demonstrates what is possible through strategic focus, investment, and empowered leadership.
