en.Wedoany.com Reported - International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) has commenced operations at Pier 2 of the Port of Durban in South Africa, under a 25-year contract, having been in operation there for approximately six months.
Transnet SOC Ltd stated that the Durban Container Terminal Pier 2 is its largest container terminal, handling 72% of Durban Port's throughput and 46% of South Africa's port traffic.
In response to questions from Freight News, an ICTSI spokesperson said that ICTSI's operations at the Durban Gateway Terminal began on January 1, 2026, and are currently in the early implementation phase of a long-term development plan. The current operational focus is on effectively serving customers, including supporting the upcoming citrus season, which is crucial for South African agricultural exporters. ICTSI is committed to establishing the Durban Gateway Terminal as a gateway for South Africa's trade with global markets and a premier trade hub in the region.
The public-private partnership between Transnet and ICTSI follows a tender process initiated in 2023. The partnership was delayed due to a legal dispute with APM Terminals, a subsidiary of Maersk. After the Durban High Court dismissed the legal application, the two parties signed a joint operations agreement in December 2025.
Transnet Group Chief Executive Officer Michelle Phillips stated at the signing ceremony that private sector participation in the transaction is a crucial component of its strategy to modernize, expand, and improve key assets. It is also an important step in enhancing terminal efficiency and transforming the port into a world-class hub, aligning with the approach of improving efficiency and growth through strategic partnerships. Private sector involvement in port operations is expected to have a positive impact on efficiency, export processes, and global competitiveness.
According to the plan, the annual throughput capacity of Pier 2 will increase from 2 million TEUs to 2.8 million TEUs, the number of crane lifts per hour will rise from 18 to 28, and vessel operating time will increase from 60 hours to 120 hours. Transnet National Ports Authority plans to gradually increase the current container throughput capacity of the Port of Durban from 3.3 million TEUs to a final expected 11.4 million TEUs. In July 2023, when Transnet announced the selection of ICTSI as the preferred operating partner, it stated that the partnership would reposition the terminal to achieve best-practice performance, ensure throughput growth, and support its integration into the global shipping route network.
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