TRANSNET National Ports Authority has added eight hydraulic shore tension mooring units to increase container shipping efficiencies at the ports in Cape Town, Durban and Ngqura, as part of its investment in vessel mooring assets.

This investment is part of Transnet National Ports Authority’s (TNPA) ongoing port infrastructure development programme to improve the safety of vessels and cargo handling operations during adverse weather conditions. It supports Transnet’s strategic pursuit of aligning its freight logistics business with key commodities to boost the South African economy.

TNPA acting chief executive Mohammed Abdool said, “These critical marine mooring assets come at a crucial time to respond to climate change, which results in strong winds of 35 to 50 knots and high sea swells exceeding 3.5 meters in our ports. TNPA’s investment in reliable port assets is vital to meeting the growing demand for container movements and increasing the value of service for customers. This initiative aims to improve the ease of doing business for shipping lines and terminal operators, ultimately improving the turnaround time for cargo handling.”

According to TNPA, the country’s container sector is showing steady growth, particularly driven by agricultural exports. From April to December 2025, TNPA recorded a container volume throughput of approximately 3.4million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), which is 2.3% above budget for the period. TNPA anticipates continued growth, forecasting a surge in container volume throughput to reach 4.5 million TEUs against an annual budget of 4.4 million TEUs in the 2025/26 financial year.

Hydraulic tension units

With dimensions of 7.4 m in length, 0.58 m in width and a height of 2m, a hydraulic tension unit is designed to securely moor large and newer vessels using high-strength lines. This functionality helps to ensure the safety of vessels alongside the berth, facilitating improved productivity over the quay.

From the eight units delivered, four are operational at the Port of Cape Town’s container berths. Meanwhile, the ports of Ngqura and Durban each received two units, which are nearing the end of the commissioning stage. This delivery brings the total number of units that TNPA has taken delivery of to 32 units from an acquisition of 52 units, with the Port of Cape Town boasting the highest number of 14 units. At an investment of R534 million, port operations are poised to reduce delays in vessel movements, according to TNPA.