Port of Durban expects demand recovering next year

DESPITE global downturn the Transet National Ports Authority is confident that the Port of Durban will retain its top position in South Africa and with its first phase of developing the Pier 1 container terminal complete and up to 720,000-TEU capacity.

This is likely to turn around, increasing volume 32 per cent to meet a potential 1.4 million-TEU by its addition of six quay cranes and 14 RTGs at a cost of ZAR1.9-billion (US$253,672) this year.

Transnet Port Terminals (TPT) rail freight chief Tau Morwe said demand should recover next year. It is likely to exceed 2008 volumes within three years boasting 52 per cent of all trade by 2028, he said, according to South Africa's Engineering News.

Estimates of Durban reaching 67 per cent market share by 2010 against Cape Town 's 21 per cent, Port Elizabeth's 10 per cent and the new deep-water Ngqura container terminal two per cent. By 2028, Durban will still boast of 52 per cent of South Africa container handling.

Development towards full capacity of 2.9 million TEU will involve widening of the entrance channel to 220 metres width and depth of 17 metres to accommodate postpanamax vessels of 9,200-TEU at a cost of ZAR3.02 billion. The relocation of handling areas and a replacement rail terminal to avoid backlog at dockside has now completed.

The DCT will have a new autogate to improve efficiency with nine processing kiosks and 27 bays for servicing the full capacity of 270 trucks plus on 7.3 hectares of land at a total cost of ZAR125 million.

Source: www.schednet.com