Transnet officials say the R5,4bn expansion plans to double capacity at Cape Town Container Terminal took another step forward today with the announcement that major dredging work has been concluded.

Group CE, Mr Brian Molefe told the media that the project celebrated a significant milestone in completing deepening and refurbishment work at Berth 602, the second of four berths to undergo such upgrades.

The new Container Terminal will be able to accommodate two vessels as long as 305m on the quayside.

The new wall is three quarters of a kilometre long.

"This project signifies our commitment to ensure the competitiveness of our economy as custodians of our transport and logistics infrastructure. The investment, which is part of our R110bn rolling five-year capital investment programme will not only increase capacity but go a long way towards improving productivity and efficiency at our ports," said Mr Molefe.

On completion, the five-year project will double the terminal’s capacity to 1,4-million TEUs — twenty-foot (6,1 metre) containers a year.

Public Enterprises Minister Malusi Gigaba said state owned entities like Transnet were encouraged to be the key drivers of the government’s developmental objectives as articulated in the New Growth Path.

"Modernising our transport infrastructure, especially at our ports, is a significant stride towards lowering the cost of doing business in this country, job creation and economic growth. Crucially, this serves as a catalyst for long term growth, investment and efficiencies in the Western Cape region," the minister said.

Transnet also plans to increase container capacity in Durban and the construction of the Ngqura Container Terminal in the Eastern Cape.

Transnet Port Terminals CE, Karl Socikwa, said the division was already reaping the benefits of the investment. "This terminal consistently exceeds customer expectations including higher ship working hour and our own efficiency targets. From a customer perspective, the rate at which containers are moved per hour has improved by more than 30% over the past 12 months."

Source: Business Day