South Africa’s state-owned logistics group Transnet has entered a 10-year agreement with German equipment manufacturer Liebherr to supply cranes and support its ongoing port modernization efforts.
Long-Term Commitment to Port Efficiency
The partnership also includes a 20-year asset management program. Under this arrangement, Liebherr will handle equipment maintenance, repairs, and supply of spare parts. For Transnet, which oversees the country’s freight rail network and port operations, the deal is aimed at addressing long-standing inefficiencies caused by outdated infrastructure and equipment shortages.
Port congestion has been a persistent challenge, with delays at key terminals disrupting exporters and importers alike. Retail supply chains have often borne the brunt, facing prolonged backlogs that ripple through domestic and international trade.
Orders for Durban and Cape Town
As part of the agreement, Transnet has placed orders for several major equipment units. These include four ship-to-shore (STS) cranes for the port of Durban, South Africa’s busiest container hub, and 48 rubber-tyred gantry (RTG) cranes destined for both Durban and Cape Town terminals.
Such acquisitions are expected to ease capacity bottlenecks, particularly at Durban, where inefficiencies have drawn criticism from shipping lines and exporters dependent on timely cargo handling.
Strategic Outlook
According to Transnet Port Terminals Chief Executive Officer Jabu Mdaki, the collaboration provides a pathway to “boost operational efficiency, streamline port logistics, and reduce long-term operational costs.” The deal signals a shift toward longer-term planning, with the company moving away from short-term fixes to structural upgrades.
For Liebherr, the agreement reflects its role not only as an equipment supplier but also as a long-term service partner embedded in South Africa’s port system. The extended asset management framework highlights the scale of commitment on both sides.
With investment levels raised and equipment already on order, the focus now turns to execution. The delivery and integration of these cranes will be closely watched by shippers, carriers, and port users who rely on consistent throughput to keep trade moving.
