Transnet takes trucks off road

A collaboration between Transnet Port Terminals and Transnet Freight Rail saw the testing of a reefer container train to ease congestion at Transnet’s Cape Town Container Terminal (CTCT) in South Africa. The initiative was undertaken to pilot an inland operation that will see the haulage of reefer containers by rail from Belcon inland terminal in Bellville to CTCT, now primarily viewed as a reefer terminal.

Transnet spokesman, Ayanda Shezi, said in a statement: “The collaboration between two Transnet operating divisions – port terminals and freight rail – supports the company’s strategy for a modal shift from road to rail, and introduces much-needed improvements in the entire supply chain.”

Moving more cargo by rail means less trucks on the roads, which results in less emissions. A train can also carry more containers than a single truck, offering efficiency and saving money.

CTCT upgrade

A multi-phased upgrade plan is underway at CTCT and phase one is already complete. This includes the extending of the quay wall by 10m over the entire 1137m length of the quay, at a depth of 15.5m.

Phase two will increase capacity from 1m TEU to 1.4m TEU. The upgrade includes the construction of 2700 reefer plug points.

The first upgrade has allowed the terminal to receive and service 8000 TEU vessels 19 containers stacked across 8 high on deck with ease.