Demand exceeds capacity at Port of Durban

The Port of Durban is under pressure to develop new capacity to meet container handling and storage demand. Marc Descoins, Durban dig-out port programme director of Transnet, argues that an increase in demand and the changing nature of the shipping industry are two primary drivers for an additional port in Durban.

With more than 4.000 commercial vessels calling at the Port of Durban every year, it is the busiest port in southern Africa. It is a major conduit for the movement of international goods and a leading gateway that supports import and export commerce.

Marc Descoins highlights that the dig-out port is an integral part of Transnet’s contribution towards the achievement of the Strategic Integrated Project (Sip) 2 of the National Infrastructure Plan, which will greatly assist in industrialising the South African economy.