Cape Town Container Terminal (CTCT) has achieved a remarkable milestone, surpassing its performance target by 62% in the week ending 20 July, according to Transnet Port Terminals (TPT). The terminal handled 19,931 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), far exceeding its weekly goal of 12,283 TEUs, making it the highest recorded volume since March 2019.
This achievement is especially significant given CTCT’s history of operational challenges, including persistent weather disruptions and equipment failures. The recent surge in performance is being hailed as a turnaround story, underpinned by improved leadership, strategic infrastructure investments, and a renewed focus on operational efficiency in the 2025/2026 financial year.
Progress
The terminal’s progress has been steady since April, with consistent improvements following the commissioning of new container cranes. TPT highlighted that the terminal closed the first quarter of the financial year 32% above its projected volumes. Nine of the 18 newly acquired rubber-tyred gantry (RTG) cranes have already been put into service, significantly enhancing container handling capabilities.
Terminal Manager Noxolo Thabatha emphasized that, despite ongoing challenges such as weather conditions and equipment reliability, the terminal is in a far better position than in previous years. Key to this transformation has been a people-centered approach, with clearly defined daily targets and strengthened support structures for frontline staff.
June saw a 64% year-on-year increase in refrigerated container throughput, showcasing improved dependability and the terminal’s vital role in facilitating South Africa’s export economy. CTCT’s success mirrors broader improvements across South Africa’s port network, including Durban’s recent record of moving over 101,000 containers in a week. According to TPT, the Cape Town terminal now serves as a benchmark for operational excellence driven by strategic investment and empowered leadership.