[EAST LONDON – October 2012] TheEast London multi-purpose terminals operated by Transnet Port Terminals have celebrated a historical moment this month when it took delivery of a R70 million brand new Liebherr mobile crane on 14 October 2012. The MV Annette vessel discharged the crane as a semi-assembled unit, which will be assembled by a team of engineers on site.
“It is indeed an exciting moment for the East London terminals as this is a historical moment where East London received its first ever mobile crane. This also reaffirms Transnet’s commitment to increasing economic activity in this region,” says SiyaMhlaluka, TPT’s GM: Eastern Cape Terminals.
“The investment will address the market demand for cranes in East London to improve efficiencies to our existing customers and will further enable East London to attract non-geared vessels helping customers in this region to compete in the main stream economy. The Skiptainer Coal Project will also benefit from the arrival of the new crane,” added Mhlaluka.
The acquisition forms part of Transnet’s Market Demand strategy (MDS) which has a clear vision of building the economy of the country including the Eastern Cape.
“Boosting efficiencies, creating capacity before demand and delivering world class service remain our priority. We are pleased that the Eastern Cape, especially the East London terminals have been awarded a slice of the R33 billion planned for the next seven years,” says Karl Socikwa, TPT’s Chief Executive.
“The mobile crane has a lifting capacity of 144 tons, a standard load operation of 77 tons and a spreader load operation of 63 tons. The capacity of the crane will boost efficiencies and improve vessel turnaround time significantly,” explainedMhlaluka.
“The excitement has also extended to the employees at the East London terminals, especially those who will be operating the crane. The training of crane operators commenced a month prior to the arrival of the crane to ensure operational readiness,” says Mhlaluka.
He added: “Transnet employees said they would double their efforts to make Transnet Port Terminals an operator of choice by being performance driven and by meeting or exceeding customer expectations.”