The strategic collaboration between eThekwini Municipality and Durban Transnet Port Terminals (TPT) is delivering measurable progress in enhancing efficiency, building capacity, and easing congestion at the Durban Port.
This was highlighted during a high-level meeting convened by eThekwini Mayor, Councillor Cyril Xaba, on Friday, 29 August, to receive a comprehensive update on TPT’s efforts to restore and strengthen the port’s operational capabilities in support of the city’s economic growth.
Held at the Durban Container Terminal and attended by City Manager Musa Mbhele and senior municipal leadership, the meeting underscored the port’s central role in Durban’s ambition to become a globally competitive port city.
As a municipality, we are committed to creating an enabling environment for the Durban Port to serve as a gateway to the African continent and unlock the vast economic potential of our region,
said Mayor Xaba.
He outlined several catalytic infrastructure projects aimed at alleviating congestion and improving logistics systems.
These include the development of a dry port in Cato Ridge, major upgrades to rail infrastructure to shift cargo transport from road to rail, and the establishment of truck staging areas. Plans are also underway to construct a second access road to the port.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has already been signed between the municipality and TPT to accelerate the implementation of these initiatives. Additionally, the city is pursuing bold projects such as the construction of a second airport in Durban’s southern region to further enhance the movement of goods and passengers.
Durban Port Terminals Managing Executive, Earle Peters, reaffirmed the terminal’s goal to become the preferred port terminal in South Africa, acknowledging the city’s vital support in achieving this vision. He praised the Durban Metro Police for their continued high visibility and effective traffic management in the port precinct, which has significantly improved safety and reduced congestion.
Peters also noted that recent investments in cargo handling equipment have led to a marked improvement in operational efficiency, with truck turnaround times now reduced to just 95 minutes.
Invest in Durban
The City of Durban is South Africa’s second largest industrial region.
Invest Durban act as a partnership between the Metro City Council and the private business sector, offering a free investor advisory service, plus key promotion, facilitation, aftercare services between all investment stakeholders.
Organizations seeking more information about setting up business operation in Durban, are invited to start a conversation with the Invest Durban team.
Please send us a brief introduction to your business objectives, and the team will get back to you!
