Hydraulic shore tension units set to improve container throughput and weather resilience
South Africa’s ports are gearing up for a more demanding future as container volumes rise and weather conditions become increasingly volatile. In response, Transnet National Ports Authority has taken another decisive step to strengthen operational efficiency and safety with the acquisition of eight hydraulic shore tension mooring units for its ports in Cape Town, Durban and Ngqura.
The investment forms part of TNPA’s broader port infrastructure development programme, aimed at ensuring vessels can be safely and securely moored during adverse weather conditions while maintaining productivity along the quayside. By stabilising vessels alongside the berth, the new mooring units are expected to reduce operational disruptions and improve cargo handling efficiency.
The acquisition also aligns with Transnet’s strategic focus on supporting key commodities that drive economic growth. According to TNPA, South Africa’s container sector continues to show steady expansion, largely driven by agricultural exports. From April to December 2025, the ports authority recorded container throughput of approximately 3.4 million twenty foot equivalent units, exceeding budget by 2.3 percent for the period.
This growth trajectory is expected to continue. TNPA forecasts container volumes to rise to 4.5 million TEUs in the 2025 and 2026 financial year, slightly above the annual budget of 4.4 million TEUs. Supporting this growth requires ports that are not only efficient but also resilient to increasingly challenging environmental conditions.
Hydraulic shore tension units play a critical role in this regard. Measuring 7.4 metres in length, 0.58 metres in width and standing 2 metres high, each unit is engineered to securely moor larger and newer generation vessels using high strength mooring lines. This enhanced stability allows terminal operations to continue safely and productively, even in rough conditions.
Of the eight units delivered, four are already operational at the Port of Cape Town’s container berths. The ports of Ngqura and Durban have each received two units, with commissioning nearing completion. This latest delivery brings the total number of hydraulic tension units received by TNPA to 32, out of a planned total of 52 units. The Port of Cape Town has received the highest allocation so far, with 14 units.
“At an investment of R534million, port operations are poised to reduce delays in vessel movements,” the ports authority said.
TNPA acting chief executive Mohammed Abdool welcomed the arrival of the new equipment, highlighting its importance in an era of climate uncertainty.
“These critical marine mooring assets come at a crucial time to respond to climate change, which results in strong winds of 35 to 50 knots and high sea swells exceeding 3.5 metres in our ports.
“TNPA’s investment in reliable port assets is vital to meeting the growing demand for container movements and increasing the value of service for customers. This initiative aims to improve the ease of doing business for shipping lines and terminal operators, ultimately improving the turnaround time for cargo handling,” he said.
As container traffic continues to grow and vessels become larger, the ability to keep ships safely alongside the berth during challenging weather is becoming a competitive advantage.