Africa’s largest container terminal, Durban Container Terminal (DCT) Pier 1, has accepted delivery of the first nine of 16 Liebherr rubber-tyre gantry cranes (RTGs) ordered, as it replaces its fleet in search of greater reliability and efficiency.

In a media story shared to its Facebook page operator of DCT, Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA), states the nine RTGs will be assembled on-site and hand-over to operations is expected to take place in May 2025.

Earle Peters, Dubai Terminals managing executive says of the new cranes: “The delivery of these RTG components is a key milestone that will significantly improve DCT Pier 1’s ability and help the terminal meet service delivery expectations.”

“Efficient container handling reduces turnaround times and improves overall port efficiency,” Peters continues. “The final batch of seven RTG components is expected to arrive in March 2026, wth full deployment scheduled for August 2026.”

TNPA has invested R744 million (USD 4.12 million) in the 16 RTGs.