The Cape Town Multi-Purpose Terminal (CTMPT) has this month officially launched a two-berth operation, which seeks to improve volume throughput and increase capacity for customers. It provides a predictable service offering and turnaround time for the shipping lines, especially with the commencement of the deciduous season. The two berths: F and G, are both dedicated for container vessels. This optimization enables the terminal to utilize F Berth with two gangs, using three mobile harbour cranes and G Berth with two gangs, using ships gear.
The introduction of the second berth is aimed at assisting to reduce congestion at the Cape Town Container Terminal (CTCT) through providing a complementary system. It further provides customers with a dedicated scheduled slot system for vessels calling CTMPT while the additional berth continues to facilitate vessels calling the terminal on an ad-hoc basis, under the principles of the Terminal Operating Guidelines.
Transnet Port Terminals Managing Executive, Western Cape, Andiswa Dlanga said: “The two-berth operation will enhance how we do business as it enables us to refine our plans, measure our strengths and weaknesses and improve vessel turnaround times.
“We are excited at the improved performance we are starting to see already on some of the vessels, however, we need to maintain the productivity levels across.”
Additionally, CTMPT has increased its reefer plug point capacity by 100 to accommodate the deciduous season, which runs from 1 November to 31 March every year. Furthermore, CTMPT has extended the gate service to a 24-hour operation to maximize the truck arrival patterns.
