The Cape Town Container Terminal is introducing new operating measures ahead of the 2026/27 export season, focusing on vessel scheduling, refrigerated cargo and weather-related delays
As South Africa heads into summer, fruit harvesting is underway, with exports expected to increase during the coming months.
Africa Ports & Ships reports that Cape Town Container Terminal (CTCT) has put measures in place ahead of the 2026/27 deciduous fruit export season, which runs from November 2026 to April 2027.
Export volumes are expected to increase by 13% compared with the previous season, with table grapes, plums, peaches and apricots among the produce destined mainly for European markets.
To manage the higher volumes, the terminal will use a fixed weekly vessel schedule supported by a 21-day berthing plan. At least 95% of planned refrigerated container volumes must be delivered before the relevant stack closure time to help vessels load as scheduled.
Additional seasonal employees have also been recruited to support operations during the busy export period, while contingency measures will allow resources from other terminals to be deployed if needed.
Weather remains another concern for the Port of Cape Town, where strong winds can disrupt vessel movements and delay the handling of cargo.
Under the new arrangements, weather disruptions lasting six hours or longer will prompt engagement with affected shipping lines and a review of the 14-day berthing sequence. The revised schedule will take vessel readiness and cargo availability into account to limit further delays.
The terminal has also introduced a 24-hour operational hotline to help customers communicate with its team during the season.
The measures are aimed at keeping fruit moving through the port during the peak export period, when delays can affect the delivery of perishable produce to international markets.