Private sector participation at the Port of Durban welcomed – next up should be Port of Cape Town
20 July 2023
I welcome the news that Transnet has confirmed a private sector partner to develop and upgrade Pier 2 of the Durban Container Terminal. I look forward to seeing the urgent operalisation of this agreement, so that the benefits of this partnership in boosting economic growth in South Africa can be realised soon.
This is exactly the kind of investment we need at the Port of Cape Town (PoCT), to ensure that it functions optimally to support the growth of exports, thereby boosting economic growth and job creation.
Historically there has been major capital under-expenditure by Transnet Port Terminals in the PoCT. According to a presentation by Transnet in June this year to the Western Cape Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Opportunities and Tourism, the Cape Town Container Terminal is severely under equipped, with only 16 Rubber Tyre Gantries available, which are needed to move cargo on and off ships, when the optimal number should be 39.
Additionally, while weather has had some role to play, there has been a notable decline in the PoCT’s performance across several indicators.