THE Durban Container Terminal (DCT) Pier 2 has received the first four of 20 diesel-electric straddle carriers for assembly and commissioning onsite. The straddle carriers will be handed over to operations to start their endurance testing towards the end of December 2024 and will be fully operational in mid-January 2025, Durban Terminals said.
Valued at over R440 million, all 20 straddle carriers will be in full operation at the end of May 2025. The terminal is renewing its fleet as part of its recovery plan, having invested in haulers and reach stackers earlier in the year.
Earle Peters, managing executive for Durban Terminals said: “This delivery marks a crucial investment in the future of DCT Pier 2 and a major step forward in enhancing our operational efficiency. The addition of these modern, diesel-electric straddle carriers will greatly improve container handling capabilities and foster recovery.”
Durban Terminals said original equipment manufacturer, Konecranes Noells loaded the components of the straddle carriers aboard MV MSC Carole from Würzburg, Germany five weeks ago. The components will be assembled and undergo endurance testing onsite before handover to operations.
Straddle carriers are a critical part of DCT Pier 2’s direct operations, supporting the loading and unloading of containers aboard vessels with enhanced precision and speed.
