Liebherr and Transnet Port Terminals (TPT) have entered into a 10-year strategic partnership aimed at modernising and enhancing efficiency across South Africa’s port operations. The agreement, signed in September 2025, includes a 20-year asset management programme to ensure long-term reliability of the equipment.
Under the deal, Transnet has placed major orders for Liebherr cranes, including four large ship-to-shore (STS) cranes for the Port of Durban, currently being assembled locally, and 48 rubber-tyred gantry (RTG) cranes for Durban and Cape Town terminals. Several RTGs are already in service, with further deliveries scheduled in the coming months. The partnership also covers rail-mounted gantry (RMG) cranes for intermodal operations and mobile harbour cranes (LHMs) to boost flexible container handling.
The asset management programme guarantees lifecycle support, with Liebherr providing local service engineers, maintenance, repairs, and parts management. To strengthen this commitment, Liebherr is investing in a new Competence and Distribution Centre in Durban, which will house a technology campus for training and innovation. Customer service capacity in Cape Town is also being expanded to ensure 24/7 support.
TPT Chief Executive Jabu Mdaki said the collaboration will deliver cutting-edge crane technology and reduce operational costs, positioning South Africa’s ports as global leaders. Liebherr executives Lukas Sturn and Declan O’Sullivan emphasised the company’s commitment to providing state-of-the-art equipment, lifecycle management, and robust service infrastructure to support Transnet’s growth and long-term competitiveness.
