Import-export business: The Port of Durban needs to expand to deal with volumes of cargo which are increasing 16% a year.
 
Durban, Africa's busiest container port, is handling record volumes of cargo and increased pressure on port infrastructure.

According to acting port manager Ricky Bhikraj, fulfilling its role of efficient trade facilitation requires creative efficiency and unprecedented capacity expansion.

"Container volumes are growing at a rate of 16% per annum. There are similar trends for vessel arrivals and other cargo types, including motor vehicles and petrochemical products. Given the high cost, significant port infrastructure investments are generally planned to cater for the long run," he said.

The sustained growth in cargo volumes has meant some infrastructure projects by the National Ports Authority have assumed higher priority than others.  One is the conversion of Pier 1 from a multipurpose terminal to a dedicated container- handling facility. Development is on track and terminal operations will be phased in from June.

Transnet has an agreement with the Department of Public Works for the sale of the land currently occupied by the army and navy on Salisbury Island, to be used for future expansion of the port. Options are being considered.

If the Durban port is to remain globally competitive, its entrance channel will have to be widened and deepened to accommodate the future generation of vessels coming into service.

Safety considerations for large vessels, as well as making room for the new breed of container ships with a deeper draught, were the primary driving factor behind the widening of the harbour entrance channel. This development will also include a new hi- tech sand bypass system at the harbour entrance.

The channel will be widened from 130m to 220m (bottom width) at the narrowest point, flaring out to 300m. The depth will be increased from -12.8m to -17m chart datum in the inner channel.

The delivery date for the entrance channel widening and deepening is December 2009, and Bhikraj indicated that a phased construction approach would mean that there would be no disruption to shipping. "In 12 to 18 months port users will see great things at the Port of Durban, but during that time it will be business as usual."

Business Times