Transnet Port Terminals Surges Past 90,000 TEUs Weekly, Driving Port Revival

TPT Chief Executive Jabu Mdaki emphasized that these gains were not the product of operational reforms alone, but also of unprecedented collaboration across the maritime industry.

Transport Minister Barbara Creecy has commended Transnet Port Terminals (TPT) for delivering remarkable improvements in container handling, with volumes surging well above expectations since June 2025. The achievement, she said, represents a turning point for South Africa’s ports and maritime economy after years of challenges and lost competitiveness.

Record-Breaking Performance

TPT has consistently averaged over 90,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) per week, up from just 65,000 TEUs in the same period in 2024—a year-on-year improvement of 7.2% in container volumes by the end of August 2025.

The highlight came in the week ending 20 July 2025, when a staggering 101,295 TEUs were processed across the country’s container terminals. This milestone nearly matched TPT’s all-time record of 105,650 TEUs set in the 2014/2015 financial year.

“This improved performance gives us hope that trans-shipment volumes we lost during the 2023/2024 year will return in due course to our ports, ensuring both job retention and future job creation for our maritime economy,” Creecy said.

Driving Forces Behind the Surge

TPT’s turnaround has been powered by four major strategic initiatives:

• New Equipment Investments: Nine rubber-tyred gantry (RTG) cranes were deployed to the Durban Container Terminal Pier 1; 20 straddle carriers were allocated to Durban Pier 2; a ship-to-shore crane was installed at the Port Elizabeth Container Terminal; and more than 200 haulers and trailers were rolled out across all container facilities.

• Focused Maintenance: Reduced equipment breakdowns and improved spare parts availability have ensured greater uptime and reliability.

• Process Improvements: Optimized operational workflows and the introduction of a real-time container performance dashboard have streamlined efficiency.

• People-Centred Management: A fourth operational shift was introduced to reduce worker fatigue, alongside a new incentive scheme designed to reward productivity and morale.

Collaboration Across the Maritime Value Chain

TPT Chief Executive Jabu Mdaki emphasized that these gains were not the product of operational reforms alone, but also of unprecedented collaboration across the maritime industry.

“This milestone is a direct result of synergy between TPT, labour partners, shipping lines, cargo owners, and logistics stakeholders. The seamless coordination has enabled vessels to berth on arrival across all terminals, which is a significant achievement considering the backlog challenges faced in 2023,” Mdaki said.

By fostering cooperation among traditionally competing interests, TPT has transformed operations from a source of frustration into a model of efficiency.

Turning the Tide on Past Challenges

South Africa’s ports have long been criticized for inefficiency, congestion, and poor reliability, which contributed to lost shipping volumes in previous years. The gains since mid-2025 suggest that investments, reforms, and stakeholder engagement are beginning to yield tangible results.

Analysts note that restoring South Africa’s ports as reliable hubs for both regional and global trade is vital not only for retaining jobs in logistics and shipping but also for unlocking new opportunities in the maritime economy. Improved performance at ports can ripple across sectors such as automotive exports, mining, and agriculture, all of which rely heavily on efficient container handling.

A Road Ahead with Promise

While the 2025 surge is promising, sustained performance will require ongoing commitment to equipment upgrades, skills development, and alignment with international best practices. Maintaining momentum will also be critical in reclaiming trans-shipment volumes that shifted to competing African ports in recent years.

With volumes now approaching record highs, government and industry stakeholders believe that South Africa’s ports are on the path to reclaiming their reputation as gateways to the continent.

“By investing in people, equipment, and processes, we are proving that South Africa’s ports can once again compete with the best in the world,” Creecy concluded.