DURBAN

  • ZADUR
  • Latitude: -29.881
  • Longitude: 31.0265
  • South Africa
  • Port in South Africa

Location: Durban KwaZulu-Natal 4001 South Africa

Phone number: +27 31 361 3755

Web-site: https://www.transnet.net/Divisions/PortTerminals.aspx

Port of Durban: Overview and Specifications

General Information

  • Location: Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
  • Coordinates: 29°52′S 31°03′E
  • UN/LOCODE: ZADUR
  • Operator: Transnet National Ports Authority
  • Port Type: Coastal natural harbor
  • Size: Approximately 21 square kilometers (both land and water)

Historical Context

  • The Port of Durban, also known historically as Port Natal, is one of the busiest and most important ports in Africa and plays a crucial role in the regional economy. The port has a long history dating back to the 19th century and has evolved significantly over time.

Infrastructure and Facilities

  • Terminals: The port consists of multiple terminals, including container, automobile, bulk, breakbulk, and liquid bulk terminals.
  • Berths: The port has more than 59 berths, accommodating a variety of vessel types.
    • Container Terminals: Durban Container Terminal (DCT), Pier 1, and Pier 2
    • Automotive Terminal: Dedicated facilities for cars and other vehicles
    • Bulk Terminals: Specializes in the handling of bulk commodities such as coal, iron ore, grain, and liquid bulk (oil, chemicals)
  • Dry Dock: Durban has the Prince Edward Graving Dry Dock, which is one of the largest on the African continent.
  • Warehousing and Storage: Extensive warehousing and open storage facilities are available for a wide variety of cargoes.
  • Rail and Road Connectivity: The port is well connected to the national rail and road networks, facilitating efficient inland transportation.

Capacities

  • Container Handling: The port handles millions of TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units) of container traffic annually.
  • Automobile Handling: Capable of processing hundreds of thousands of vehicles annually.
  • Bulk Cargo: Handles millions of tons of bulk and breakbulk cargo each year.

Modernization and Expansion Projects

  • Berth Deepening: Efforts are ongoing to deepen berths to accommodate larger vessels, especially those with deeper drafts.
  • Automation and Technology Upgrades: The port is continuously investing in modern technologies to improve efficiency, including the adoption of automated cargo handling systems.
  • Environmental Initiatives: Projects to enhance environmental sustainability, such as the reduction of emissions and better waste management practices.

Services

  • Pilotage: Mandatory pilotage for vessels entering and leaving the port.
  • Tug Services: Available to assist with vessel positioning and docking.
  • Bunkering: Fueling services for vessels are available within the port.
  • Customs and Inspection: Comprehensive customs services ensure regulatory compliance for both imports and exports.

Economic and Strategic Importance

  • Economic Hub: The port significantly contributes to the South African economy by facilitating international trade.
  • Strategic Location: The port's strategic location on the East Coast of Africa makes it a vital link between the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, as well as between the African continent and the global market.

Challenges and Future Directions

  • Congestion: Like many major ports, Durban faces challenges related to congestion and infrastructure strain, leading to ongoing efforts to enhance capacity and operational efficiency.
  • Climate Change: Adaptation measures are necessary to mitigate the impacts of sea-level rise and extreme weather events.

The Port of Durban continues to be a cornerstone of maritime trade in the Southern Hemisphere, striving to balance its role as a critical logistical hub with the need for sustainable development.

Vessels in the port

Flag Name Type Destination Date/Time
NEARCHOS Cargo ZADUR 04:25:42
HAMMARLAND Cargo ZA DUR 04:25:38
GMTS TRACKER 01 Towing/Tug ZA DUR 04:23:51
SOUTHERN VENTURE Tanker 04:23:35
FUMANA Tanker 04:20:28
MAERSK FELIXSTOWE Cargo ZADUR->MUPLU 03:53:31
SEPELONG Towing/Tug ZA DUR 03:53:25
PROSPERITY 101 Cargo DURBAN 03:52:45
ABILENE Cargo ZA RCB 03:52:16
AMBER RAY Tanker ZADUR 03:29:20
COOL SPIRIT Cargo ZADUR 03:27:46
MSC LORENA Cargo ZAPDUR 03:25:10
CAROLINE Other DURBAN 03:22:26
SPINDRIFT Sailing 03:02:46
OCEAN SURF Other 02:56:35
ATLANTIC NARVAL Tanker ZA DUR 02:53:57
MONA LISA Cargo ZADUR 02:28:21
SA AGULHAS Cargo MUPLU>ZADUR 02:27:32
SIYAKHULA Towing/Tug DBN_SBM 02:27:02
ITAL UNICA Cargo ZADRB 01:54:47

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