Stakeholders in the export-oriented fruit value chain, alongside the Western Cape Government and Transnet Port Terminals, have announced a collaboration aimed at improving operations at the Cape Town Container Terminal (CTCT). This public sector partnership (PSP) involves installing two additional 500kVA generators at the terminal, each equipped with 60 reefer container plug points. This enhancement will allow for increased capacity during the peak deciduous season by providing an additional reefer stack.
The generators, funded by the Western Cape Department of Economic Development & Tourism, Agbiz, Hortgro, the South African Table Grape Industry (SATI), the Fresh Produce Exporters' Forum (FPEF), and the KAL Group, mark a milestone in PSP projects at the terminal. This initiative aims to increase the terminal's capacity to handle containers during peak weeks and improve overall output during the peak deciduous fruit export season.
Agbiz CEO Theo Boshoff stated, "We look forward to seeing the positive impact this will have on fresh produce exports from the Western Cape and to continuing our collaboration with the Western Cape Government and Transnet Port Terminals to drive growth and development in the sector."
Dr. Ivan Meyer, Western Cape Provincial Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development & Tourism, noted that the Growth for Jobs strategy includes tripling exports from the Western Cape by 2035, which requires reducing logistics costs and improving port efficiency. Meyer emphasized that supporting primary stakeholders to address challenges in the Port of Cape Town is a priority.
Transnet Port Terminals' Western Cape managing executive, Oscar Borchards, affirmed their commitment to implementing continual improvements to assist exports out of Cape Town, focusing on strengthening relations within the entire value chain.
Source: Cape Business News