In a remarkable turnaround, the Cape Town Container Terminal (CTCT) has recorded a historic performance, achieving 62% above target in the week ending 20 July 2025. This milestone marks the terminal’s highest weekly volume since March 2019, with 19 931 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) handled against a target of 12 283.
This achievement is particularly significant given CTCT’s previous challenges. The terminal’s resurgence in the 2025/2026 financial year is a testament to focused leadership, strategic investment, and a renewed commitment to operational excellence. Since April 2025, CTCT has consistently exceeded expectations, closing the first quarter 32% above its targeted volumes. This sustained improvement is underpinned by ongoing investment in terminal infrastructure, including the acquisition of 18 new rubber-tyred gantry (RTG) cranes, with nine of the RTGs already being commissioned for operations.
“CTCT is in a much better position than it was last year,” said Terminal Manager, Noxolo Thabatha. “While we still face challenges such as equipment reliability and weather, our focus is on maximizing the resources we have and empowering our people to deliver.”
The terminal’s leadership has placed strong emphasis on workforce engagement, with daily performance targets clearly communicated and support structures reinforced on the ground. This people-first approach has been instrumental in driving performance gains.
In June alone, refrigerated container throughput increased by 64%, compared to the same period last year. This growth reflects the terminal’s improved reliability and its critical role in supporting South Africa’s export economy.
CTCT’s performance is a beacon of progress within Transnet Port Terminals (TPT), demonstrating what is possible through strategic focus, investment, and empowered leadership. As the terminal continues to recover and grow, it sets a new benchmark for excellence in terminal operations.
