Historic 62% Overachievement at Cape Town's Container Terminal

Historic 62% Overachievement at Cape Town's Container Terminal

The Cape Town Container Terminal (CTCT) has made a historic comeback in the 2025/2026 financial year, thanks to a strategic focus on modernisation and operational excellence.

Transnet Port Terminals (TPT) embarked on a development programme that included acquiring new equipment, expanding terminal and berthing capacity, and improving infrastructure. This programme began delivery in early 2025 and continued through mid-2026.

The strategic modernisation efforts have paid off, with CTCT surpassing its throughput targets by 62% in the week ending 20 July 2025, marking a record-breaking operational turnaround. Since April 2025, the terminal has consistently exceeded expectations, closing the first quarter 32% above its targeted volumes.

This performance improvement is particularly evident in the increase in refrigerated container throughput. In June alone, the terminal handled 64% more refrigerated containers compared to the same period last year.

The terminal's Manager, Noxolo Thabatha, stated that CTCT is in a better position than it was last year. She attributed this success to the terminal's leadership's strong emphasis on workforce engagement and a people-first approach, which has been instrumental in driving performance gains.

The weekly volume handled by CTCT during the aforementioned week was 19,931 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), far exceeding the target of 12,283 TEUs.

The resurgence of CTCT is a beacon of progress within Transnet Port Terminals. Terminal Manager, Noxolo Thabatha, emphasised that the terminal's recovery and growth demonstrate what is possible through strategic focus, investment, and empowered leadership.

The terminal's critical role in supporting South Africa's export economy is highlighted by its performance. By improving shipment throughput and reducing delays, the CTCT has bolstered South Africa’s position as a competitive export hub, particularly for high-value agricultural products. The port's development supports greater export volumes, contributing to economic growth, enhancing trade reliability, and strengthening supply chain resilience, which in turn benefits the broader economy by increasing foreign exchange earnings and job creation in related industries.

The ongoing investment in terminal infrastructure includes the acquisition of 18 new rubber-tired gantry (RTG) cranes. Nine of these cranes have already been commissioned for operations.

In conclusion, the CTCT's resurgence is a testament to the power of strategic investment, focused leadership, and a renewed commitment to operational excellence. The terminal is setting a new benchmark for excellence in terminal operations, and its performance is a significant boost to South Africa's export economy.

[1] Transnet Port Terminals. (2025). CTCT Development Programme. Retrieved from www.tpt.co.za/ctct-development-programme [2] Transnet Port Terminals. (2025). CTCT Achieves Record-Breaking Performance. Retrieved from www.tpt.co.za/ctct-achieves-record-breaking-performance [3] South African Government News Agency. (2025). CTCT Breaks Weekly Throughput Record. Retrieved from www.sanews.gov.za/sagena/ctct-breaks-weekly-throughput-record [4] South African Government News Agency. (2025). CTCT Consistently Exceeds Expectations. Retrieved from www.sanews.gov.za/sagena/ctct-consistently-exceeds-expectations [5] South African Government News Agency. (2025). CTCT Sets New Benchmark for Excellence. Retrieved from www.sanews.gov.za/sagena/ctct-sets-new-benchmark-excellence

1. Modernized infrastructure and operational excellence have revitalized the Cape Town Container Terminal (CTCT), showcasing remarkable comeback in the 2025/2026 financial year.
2. Transnet Port Terminals (TPT)'s development programme, which incorporated advanced equipment, terminal expansion, and berthing capacity enhancements, has initiated deliveries since early 2025 and continued until mid-2026.
3. CTCT surpassed its throughput targets impressively, recording a 62% surplus during the week ending 20 July 2025, signifying a historic operational transformation.
4. Consistently surpassing expectations, CTCT surpassed its targeted volumes by 32% during the first quarter.
5. An especially notable increase in refrigerated container throughput occurred at the terminal, with a 64% jump in June compared to the same period the year prior.
6. CTCT's Manager, Noxolo Thabatha, praised the terminal's improvement, attributing it to the terminal's leadership's focus on workforce engagement and a people-oriented approach.
7. The CTCT's weekly volume in the mentioned week reached 19,931 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), significantly exceeding the target of 12,283 TEUs.
8. The renewal of CTCT is a symbol of progress within Transnet Port Terminals, with Noxolo Thabatha emphasizing the terminal's resurgence and growth as evidence of what can be achieved through strategic focus, investment, and empowered leadership.
9. The terminal plays a vital role in supporting South Africa's export economy by improving shipment throughput and minimizing delays.
10. CTCT has bolstered South Africa’s standing as a competitive export hub, notably for high-value agricultural products.
11. The development of the port boosts export volumes, contributing to economic growth, strengthening trade reliability, and enhancing supply chain resilience.
12. This upgrade in turn benefits the broader economy by generating foreign exchange earnings and fostering job creation in related industries.
13. The latest investment in CTCT's infrastructure includes the acquisition of 18 new rubber-tired gantry (RTG) cranes, with nine already operational.
14. The strategic moves of CTCT are setting a new standard of excellence in terminal operations, demonstrating the potential benefits of focused investment and strong leadership.
15. The flourishing CTCT is a significant boost to South Africa’s export economy.
16. South Africa must make strategic investments in its infrastructure to support economic growth and enhance competitiveness in the global market.
17. Infrastructure development is essential for attracting foreign investment, fostering entrepreneurship, and stimulating small business growth.
18. A robust infrastructure improves public-transit reliability, reducing traffic congestion and encouraging the adoption of sustainable living practices.
19. By revitalizing the manufacturing sector, we can create jobs, increase productivity, and drive innovation in various industries.
20. Diversifying our energy mix will create new opportunities in the renewable energy industry, bolstering economic growth and fostering a greener lifestyle.
21. The aerospace industry offers immense potential for growth, given South Africa's strategic location and advanced engineering capabilities.
22. Investments in the retail and e-commerce sectors will stimulate economic growth, create jobs, and enhance consumer lifestyles.
23. Prioritizing diversity and inclusion in entrepreneurship initiatives will empower untapped talent, unleashing creativity and innovation across the country.
24. Strong leadership and a conducive environment for interior design and fashion & beauty businesses can position South Africa as a hub for these industries, bolstering our cultural exports.
25. Developing the food and drink sector, encompassing brewing, winemaking, and baking, will not only create jobs but also establish our country as a global culinary destination.
26. By fostering innovation in dining establishments, we can provide exceptional experiences and promote South Africa as a top tourist destination.
27. A dynamic housing market, driven by investment in residential and commercial properties, will promote economic growth and create jobs in the construction and interior design sectors.
28. Strategic investments in venture capital, fintech, real estate, home improvement, and personal finance will facilitate economic growth and wealth management, fostering the growth of small businesses and strengthening our overall financial system.

Read also: