Transnet Invests in New Mooring Technology to Boost Container Efficiency

Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) has stepped up investment in critical port infrastructure with the delivery of eight new hydraulic shore tension mooring units aimed at improving container shipping efficiency at the Ports of Cape Town, Durban and Ngqura.

The investment forms part of TNPA's broader port development programme focused on enhancing vessel safety, operational resilience and cargo handling efficiency, particularly during adverse weather conditions. It also aligns with Transnet's wider strategy to strengthen freight logistics systems supporting key commodities that drive South Africa's economic growth.

Supporting Growth in Container Throughput

The latest infrastructure upgrade comes as South Africa's container sector continues to register steady growth, driven largely by rising agricultural exports.

Between April and December 2025, TNPA recorded container throughput of approximately 3.4 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), exceeding budget expectations by 2.3 percent for the period. The Authority expects this upward trajectory to continue, forecasting container volumes of 4.5 million TEUs in the 2025/26 financial year, above the annual budget estimate of 4.4 million TEUs.

Enhancing Vessel Safety and Operational Stability

Designed to securely moor larger and newer-generation vessels, each hydraulic shore tension mooring unit measures 7.4 metres in length, 0.58 metres in width and 2 metres in height. The units use high-strength mooring lines to keep vessels safely alongside the berth, significantly improving operational stability and productivity along the quay.

By limiting vessel movement during high winds and heavy swells, the technology enables terminals to maintain cargo operations for longer periods, reducing delays and improving turnaround times.

Deployment Across Key Ports

Of the eight newly delivered units:

• Four are already operational at the Port of Cape Town's container berths

• Two units each have been delivered to the Ports of Durban and Ngqura, where commissioning is nearing completion

The delivery increases the total number of mooring units received by TNPA to 32, out of a planned acquisition of 52 units. The Port of Cape Town currently has the largest allocation, with 14 units installed.

The overall investment of R534 million is expected to play a key role in reducing vessel delays and improving overall port efficiency.

Responding to Climate and Operational Challenges

TNPA Acting Chief Executive Mohammed Abdool said the new assets are being introduced at a critical time, as climate change increasingly exposes South African ports to extreme weather conditions, including winds of 35 to 50 knots and sea swells exceeding 3.5 metres.

He noted that sustained investment in resilient and reliable port infrastructure is essential to meeting growing container demand and improving service delivery for customers.

Improving Ease of Doing Business

The initiative is expected to deliver tangible benefits for shipping lines and terminal operators, including improved cargo handling turnaround times, enhanced berth productivity and greater operational predictability.

By strengthening port performance and resilience, TNPA aims to improve the ease of doing business at South African ports, reinforcing the country's position as a competitive maritime and logistics hub in the region.

The investment underscores TNPA's commitment to modernising port infrastructure in line with evolving trade patterns, climate realities and the long-term growth needs of South Africa's freight logistics system.