The Port of Durban’s Multi-Purpose Terminal (MPT) has reached a significant milestone by handling over 200,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) during the 2024/25 financial year. This achievement is a major leap from the terminal’s original annual throughput of just 25,000 TEUs in 2003.
The terminal far surpassed its current target of 131,106 TEUs, signaling not only growth in operational capacity but also the effectiveness of strategic partnerships aimed at alleviating port congestion. The milestone was made possible through strong collaboration between Transnet Port Terminals (TPT) and key shipping lines, especially MSC South Africa.
MSC played a critical role by temporarily providing equipment such as reach stackers and trained operators to support terminal operations during a time of urgent need. This gesture filled the equipment gap while the terminal awaited the arrival of new machinery, showcasing the power of cooperative problem-solving in the logistics sector.
Power of team work
Durban Terminals Managing Executive, Earl Peters, highlighted the journey of MPT from a low-performing terminal to one capable of handling large volumes efficiently. He credited the success to teamwork, innovative planning, and the ongoing support from customers and stakeholders. Peters emphasized that the terminal not only played a support role to the main container terminals but has now become an essential part of Durban’s port ecosystem, helping meet growing demand.
Industry leaders and stakeholders, including MSC South Africa Chairperson Captain Salvatore Sarno and Evergreen South Africa President Ben Chang, praised the terminal’s performance and commended TPT’s innovative approach to reducing vessel delays. They noted that minimizing anchorage waiting times helps improve South Africa’s image in global trade, especially at a time when global shipping is facing challenges such as rising costs, port congestion, and geopolitical instability.
TPT Chief Executive Jabu Mdaki also acknowledged the essential role of shipping lines in overcoming the 2023 congestion crisis. He expressed gratitude to MSC and other partners for their willingness to support the terminal and emphasized TPT’s openness to future collaboration. Mdaki noted that this achievement represents not only a record-breaking year for MPT but also a turning point in how partnerships can enhance the performance and reliability of South African ports.