Analysis of electric-rubber tyred gantries for a more green Durban Container Terminal

Abstract

The Durban Container Terminal (DCT) is currently the biggest and busiest container terminal in Africa and handles about 2.7-million TEUs a year. DCT handles approx. 70% of South Africa’s containers and generates 60% of South Africa’s revenue (Port of Durban, 2014). The work-horse of the container handling industry is the Rubber Tyred Gantry (RTG) crane. For over 50 years, these heavy duty cranes have been a staple at ports worldwide. Typically powered by diesel engines, these cranes require constant maintenance and fuel management to remain operational. In addition to costs, ports have begun to feel the pressure to become more “Green” by local authorities and governments.Pier 1, at DCT is currently utilizingRTGs. High energy consumption and high pollution result from RTGs operating around the clock. This entails a high cost burden for terminal operators and causes serious environmental pollution.An investigation into solutions to lessen operating costs, strengthen business competitiveness, and alleviate environmental pollution is presented in this paper. The results were analyzed and conclusions, as well as recommendations were made.