Transnet and Liebherr Sign 10-Year Deal to Modernise South Africa’s Ports

Transnet Port Terminals (TPT) has signed a landmark 10-year strategic partnership agreement with global crane manufacturer Liebherr, in a move set to modernise South Africa’s port operations, boost efficiency, and position the country’s maritime hubs as competitive players in global trade.

Driving Port Efficiency Through Modern Equipment

The partnership provides Transnet with access to Liebherr’s advanced crane technology, local technical expertise, and a robust lifecycle management programme. It also establishes a strong supply chain for spare parts, maintenance services, and customer support.

According to Transnet, this collaboration ensures unrivalled reliability, optimised productivity, and seamless operations across its key port terminals. The introduction of Liebherr’s Ship-to-Shore (STS) cranes and Rubber-Tired Gantry (RTG) cranes will significantly enhance cargo-handling capacity while lowering long-term operational costs.

Major Orders Already in Motion

Under the agreement, Transnet has already placed substantial equipment orders. These include:

• Four large STS cranes for the Port of Durban, which are currently being assembled locally.

• 48 RTG cranes ordered in multiple batches for Durban and Cape Town terminals, several of which are already in service.

These acquisitions mark the beginning of a phased rollout that will transform container handling efficiency and streamline logistics at South Africa’s busiest ports.

Commitment to Global Competitiveness

Transnet Port Terminals Chief Executive, Jabu Mdaki, emphasised that the partnership reflects a long-term commitment to operational excellence and competitiveness.

“Partnering with Liebherr ensures that we have access to cutting-edge crane technology and expert support, enabling us to enhance productivity while reducing operational costs. This agreement is a testament to our mission of delivering world-class service and keeping South Africa’s ports at the forefront of global trade,” Mdaki said.

He further highlighted that the collaboration represents a shared vision for port infrastructure modernisation, innovation, and continuous improvement, ensuring that South Africa’s ports remain resilient and globally competitive.

Liebherr’s Investment in Local Capacity

Liebherr-Africa General Manager, Lukas Sturn, underscored the company’s commitment to supporting Transnet through a combination of technology transfer, service infrastructure, and training.

“With dedicated service hubs and an optimised parts supply, we are well positioned to support Transnet’s growth and ensure smooth, efficient, and cost-effective operations,” Sturn said.

The agreement includes a 20-year asset management programme, which guarantees comprehensive lifecycle support—covering maintenance, repairs, and parts management. Liebherr will provide local service engineers, ensuring rapid responses to operational needs.

Building a Skills and Innovation Hub

As part of its long-term presence in South Africa, Liebherr is investing in a new Competence and Distribution Centre in Durban, which will include the Liebherr Technology Campus—a training and innovation hub. The facility will offer professional training, customised solutions for equipment, and business skills development.

Additionally, Liebherr is expanding its customer service operations in Cape Town, reinforcing its commitment to 24/7 support and strengthening its regional footprint.

A Step Toward a Resilient Maritime Future

The partnership between Transnet and Liebherr not only delivers cutting-edge equipment but also supports skills development, innovation, and infrastructure investment, all of which are vital for the long-term sustainability of South Africa’s port system.

With global shipping demands evolving, this collaboration is expected to help South Africa address bottlenecks, improve cargo flow, and secure its position as a leading maritime gateway into Africa.