The need to modernize cargo-handling equipment at ports and terminals, the significant push to replace machinery with new, more sustainable units, and the expansion of agricultural exports in the country are key factors driving the sector’s growth.
The country’s GDP is expected to grow to 1.6% in 2026, driven largely by the stabilization of the logistics sector, which will receive significant public investment in port equipment renewal.
Sarens complements its offering of cranes and SPMTs in the country with a wide range of material handling equipment, from forklifts to high-reach telehandlers or reach stackers, providing turnkey support—including planning, logistics, experienced personnel, and engineered methodologies— wherever required for safe and efficient execution.
The material handling industry is experiencing one of its most significant periods of growth in South Africa’s modern history. While the sector closed out 2025 with a market value of approximately $1.5 billion, it is expected to reach $1.8 billion by 2030, according to forecasts by the consulting firm Grand View Research. As a result, this sector is establishing itself as one of the main pillars of the national industry and economy, which is projected to grow by 1.6% in 2026, according to the country’s government.
This significant growth in the sector will be driven by the renewal of machinery, particularly that used for cargo handling in ports and terminals, to address, among other things, the 19% year-over-year increase in citrus exports, as well as the Operation Vulindlela terminal improvement program. As a result, the national company Transnet has already allocated more than R9 billion over the past three years to upgrade cranes, gantry cranes, and transport fleets so they will be operational by 2026.
In this context of extreme demands on the industry, Sarens, world leader in heavy lifting, engineered transport, and crane rental services, has expanded its range of cranes—including both all-terrain and crawler cranes—and SPMTs —Self-Propelled Modular Trailers—with a wide range of material handling equipment to ensure that any potential industry demand can be met smoothly, safely, and productively, whether it involves loading, unloading, stacking, or moving any type of cargo, regardless of its size or weight.
Currently, Sarens’ offering includes all types of machinery, from forklifts to high-reach telehandlers, reach stackers, aerial work platforms, and earth-moving equipment. In all cases, Sarens’ commitment to the various industries where this machinery is used—construction, mining, and warehouse & logistics, among others—is reflected in its rapid deployment and on-site support, its commitment to sustainability—which allows for the selection of electric or environmentally friendly alternatives—and a global expertise that translates into local execution tailored to each client’s specific expectations and needs.
At a time when South Africa is committed to significantly upgrading its logistics and port infrastructure, it is essential to ensure that the country’s operators have the tools they need to boost productivity and minimize operational disruptions. To that end, Sarens’ local team thoroughly assesses the exact needs of each client and project, offering turnkey support—including planning, logistics, experienced personnel, and engineered methodologies—wherever required for safe and efficient execution. In fact, Sarens will begin operating from a new depot in Durban in the coming weeks, with their current depots nationwide and more new units to come ready to serve and support their clients.
According to Graham Clare, Sarens Business Unit Manager, “the logistics sector in South Africa is at a strategic turning point. The international expertise and local commitment of companies like Sarens are key at this time, not only to underpin the sector’s growth in line with rising demand for services, but also to do so from a sustainable perspective, by investing in cleaner and more efficient machinery. If there is one thing our company stands out for, it is putting safety at the center of every operation: every machine we use is maintained to the highest standards, operated by certified professionals, and supported by rigorous protocols, reflecting Sarens’ world-class safety culture.”
Sarens has a well-established local presence in South Africa. Often operating through its joint venture Sarens Siba, the company is active in sectors such as energy, with strategic projects at wind farms like Witberg—where it handled the transport of 216 components for 24 turbines—and at facilities such as the Gouda and Jeffreys Bay wind farms. In addition, it has worked on strategic projects for the country, such as the Medupi and Kusile power plants, coal mines like Mafube, and the Koeberg nuclear plant, to name a few.
About Sarens
Sarens is the global leader and reference in crane rental, heavy lift and engineered transportation services. With state-of-the-art equipment, value engineering, one of the world's largest inventories of cranes, transporters and special rigging equipment, Sarens offers creative and intelligent solutions to today's heavy lifting and engineering transport challenges.
With more than 100 entities in 65 countries operating without borders, Sarens is an ideal partner for small to large-scale projects. Sarens currently employs 6,500 highly qualified professionals who are ready to serve the needs of any client worldwide and in all market sectors. https://www.sarens.com/