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Transnet has entered into a ten-year supply agreement with Liebherr and a 20-year asset management programme to modernise South Africa's port operations. The partnership covers the delivery of cranes and long-term maintenance support. Orders already placed include four ship-to-shore cranes for Durban and 48 rubber-tyred gantry cranes for Durban and Cape Town. The deal also provides for rail-mounted gantry and mobile harbour cranes, as well as expanded service facilities. Liebherr is setting up a new competence and training centre in Durban and improving service capacity in Cape Town to ensure local support.
South Africa's state-owned logistics operator Transnet has signed a ten-year agreement with German equipment manufacturer Liebherr to supply cranes for its port operations. Alongside the supply arrangement, the two companies have also finalised a 20-year asset management programme under which Liebherr will provide ongoing equipment maintenance, repairs, and spare parts support. Advertisement
Transnet, which manages the country's ports and freight rail network, has faced increasing pressure over the years due to under-investment in infrastructure. Port operations have often been slowed down by equipment shortages, creating backlogs that have disrupted retailers and exporters. The new agreement is intended to address these issues and help restore reliability across major terminals.
Under the deal, Transnet has already placed significant orders with Liebherr. These include four ship-to-shore (STS) cranes for the Durban Container Terminal, and 48 rubber-tyred gantry (RTG) cranes that will be deployed across Durban and Cape Town. Some of the RTG cranes have already entered service, while others are expected to arrive in the coming months. The agreement also covers the supply of rail-mounted gantry (RMG) cranes and mobile harbour cranes, giving Transnet greater flexibility in container handling at multiple terminals.
Liebherr is also expanding its presence in South Africa as part of this partnership. The company is investing in a Competence and Distribution Centre in Durban that will include a Technology Campus for training. In Cape Town, it is strengthening its customer service structure, offering 24-hour technical support to ensure uninterrupted operations and quick response times.
Transnet Port Terminals Chief Executive Officer Jabu Mdaki noted that the collaboration would improve efficiency, streamline logistics processes, and reduce long-term operational costs. Company officials have underlined that the partnership is not only about new equipment but also about securing consistent technical support and skills development for the future.
Source Reuters
5th Jun, 2025
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