Ngqura Container Terminal Recruits Operators to Run a Full Three-Berth Operation

The Ngqura Container Terminal (NCT) has recruited a total of 36 operators of lifting equipment to run a full three-berth operation when South Africa’s citrus season begins in April.

The operators have commenced with their on-the-job training, which is designed to enable the operating of ship-to-shore cranes and rubber tyred gantry (RTG) cranes. Ship-to-shore crane training will take six weeks, while the RTG training will take three months.

NCT Senior Operations Manager Malixole Mahobe said, “This boost in operator capacity will enhance the terminal’s productivity, which will, in turn, attract demand. We are excited at the prospects”. Last year, the Eastern Cape Container Terminals handled higher citrus volumes than the previous three years, with a volume increase of 12%.

Inclement weather disrupts NCT operations from time to time. To recover, the terminal diverts some vessels to the neighbouring Port Elizabeth Container Terminal (PECT) in agreement with shipping lines and draft allowance as there is capacity.

The Ngqura Container Terminal is South Africa’s only dedicated transshipment terminal and the newest of all the terminals having opened its doors for business in 2009.