SOUTH AFRICA – Transnet’s Cape Town Container Terminal (CTCT) has reported a 62% increase in its reefer targets over the past two months.
This achievement comes despite a significant 53% decline in overall container movements in April due to weather disruptions, including wind and fog, which halted operations for 13 days.
The terminal’s Acting Western Cape Managing Executive, Oscar Borchards, stated, “Our key priority is to deliver on volume throughput and meet our customers’ expectations.” He emphasized the importance of maintaining berthing schedules and improving ship working hours (SWH) as central to their success.
CTCT reviewed its quarterly targets, setting an SWH goal of 26 for the first quarter (April to June), with plans to increase this target by four each quarter, aiming for a target of 40 by January to March 2025.
“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,” Borchards added.
To enhance efficiency, CTCT increased its number of internal haulers from 32 to 46 and received two reach stackers and two empty container handlers. The terminal expects 10 more haulers in June and another 47 by August.
“These interventions, which include new equipment and continuous improvement initiatives, demonstrate our readiness for the citrus season,” Borchards said.
E-Mobility launch
Meanwhile, at Lanseria International Airport, Daimler Truck South Africa (DTSA) showcased its latest zero-emission vehicle (ZEV), the Mercedes-Benz eActros, on May 21. This event highlighted the ongoing challenges and questions about energy security and charging infrastructure in South Africa.
Daimler is committed to supporting fleet owners and managers through an e-consulting service designed to understand the specific charging infrastructure needs of their customers.
“With electronic vehicles, charging infrastructure is something that no operator has dealt with before and we try and navigate through this,” Kulshrestha explained. This service includes site assessments to develop appropriate charging solutions.
He acknowledged that developing markets face unique challenges compared to Europe, where incentives and infrastructure support are more robust. “In Europe, there is a lot of incentive for the creation and implementation of the necessary infrastructure to support e-mobility. Even so, it’s not easy, but when governments and other stakeholders are all on board, it makes it easier,” he said.
Kulshrestha remains optimistic about South Africa’s potential for progress in e-mobility through greater collaboration across the road freight sector. “Decarbonization progress might just surprise the naysayers and detractors,” he concluded.
The dual advancements at CTCT and Daimler’s e-mobility initiatives highlight a significant shift towards efficiency and sustainability in South Africa’s logistics and transport sectors.
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