The new equipment will primarily be used for container operations at the terminal and promises to enhance current productivity levels through its speedier and improved technology.
Christina Van Dyk, Terminal Manager for CTAR said the equipment will replace a 14 year-old Gottwald MHC mobile harbour crane which will be relocated to their sister terminal in East London.
“We are excited to have this new state-of-the-art Liebherr mobile harbour crane as part of our equipment fleet. The crane has an advanced lifting capacity of 120 tons, with twin lift capability and is faster than its predecessor, the Liebherr LHN400. The crane also boasts more advanced safety features which will improve cargo safety,” said Van Dyk.
The crane arrived on board the MV Paula vessel on Thursday, 8 November 2012 and will rotate between Berths F and G, the terminal’s high performing container berths. Van Dyk says the procurement will significantly improve the terminal’s operations and she envisages the new equipment will result in a GCH* improvement of 20% over the next 12 months.
To ensure skilful operation of the high-tech equipment, six CTAR operators have undergone training in Durban on how to operate the crane, signalling an increase in skills development within the terminal. One of the operators, Sibulela Makili says, “We are thankful for the training TPT has provided us with and we are excited to operate the equipment which will contribute positively to the terminal’s performance.”
CTAR, which features multi-purpose and agricultural cargo handling facilities, is one of the country’s most efficient terminals. The investment valued at R48 million is aligned to the Transnet Market Demand Strategy (MDS) which will see TPT invest R33 billion in capital projects over the next seven years, with a focus on beefing up infrastructure in the terminals.
Velile Dube, General Manager: Operations for the Western Cape said: “The new Liebherr crane will drastically improve the reliability of CTAR’s service offering to shipping lines and improve productivity and vessel turnaround times.”
Dube added that the new equipment will also enable the terminal’s management to target new business opportunities with confidence in the service offering.