Terex Port Solutions (TPS) has increased its foothold in Durban Container Terminal, the largest container terminal in Africa, thanks to the installation of two rail-mounted gantry cranes (RMGs).

The machines, are in operation at Durban Container Terminal, which is run by Transnet Port Terminals (TPT), and itself, is a subsidiary of state-owned Transnet SOC.

The Terex RMGs have been specified with a rotating trolley with a span of 22.5m and a lifting height of 11m, as well as a lifting capacity of 41 tonne under spreader.

The machines are powered by the terminal’s electricity supply, and are serving the rail terminal on pier 2, replacing two 25-year-old cranes in the process.

Colin Clegg, business development manager of Africa at TPS, says the company’s presence in Africa was key in building the relationship between both parties

“As usual in South Africa, the public invitation to tender required a high proportion of local manufacturing. With the possibilities at the Terex factory in Boksburg, where we predominantly manufacture overhead travelling, portal and process cranes for the Terex Material Handling business group, TPS was able to meet this central criterion in every respect,” he adds.

The latest installations expand the ongoing relationship between both firms, which has involved Terex providing TPT with 50 straddle carriers and 12 heavy-duty Terex forklifts.

Karl Socikwa, chief executive at TPT, says the new cranes will boost both productivity and availability at the terminal.

He explains; “The Terex RMG cranes will considerably boost our performance, creating a long-term competitive advantage for us and enable Durban Container Terminal to meet the demands of Transnet Freight Rail and all our valued customers,” he explains.

“This is one of the largest single orders that we have ever placed with a supplier with manufacturing facilities in South Africa.”

Terex Port Solutions increases African presence