R7 billion Durban Port ‘mega-project’ reaches key milestone
A R7 billion mega-project to deepen and lengthen berths at Durban Container Terminal (DCT): Pier 2 has reached a key milestone with parts of the project due to go out to tender this month.
The Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) said in a statement on Wednesday that the multi-billion rand Main Marine Construction Works package is ready.
This follows the two environmental approvals secured from the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) last year for marine and landside works.
The tender process for the landside works will follow at a later stage, TNPA said.
The DCT: Pier 2 Berths 203 to 205 reconstruction, deepening and lengthening project forms part of Transnet’s Market Demand Strategy which is in its 5th year.
The increased size of container vessels calling at the Port of Durban has resulted in DCT: Pier 2 berths now operating beyond their original design specification in regards to water depth.
DCT: Pier 2 handles approximately 65% of the total containerised cargo of South Africa and is the main link to the country’s industrial and economic hub, Gauteng, said TNPA.
It is estimated that the demand through the Port of Durban is expected to grow from 2.5 million TEUs (Twenty-Foot Equivalent Unit) to 3.5 million TEUs, over the next 10 years.
The overall R7 billion project aims to improve efficiencies and reduce costs for vessels calling at the port by deepening Berths 203, 204 and 205, as well as the basin and approach channel, from 12.8 metres to 16.5 metres.
The effective berthing length will be increased from 914 metres to 1,210 metres, to safely accommodate the simultaneous berthing of three Super Post Panamax vessels of 350 metres in length and draft of 14.5 metres, Transnet said.
TNPA noted that currently Super Post Panamax vessels take up two berths on the North Quay which decreases port capacity. In addition, large vessels requiring a deeper draft than 12.2 metres can only enter the channel at high tide, resulting in delays.
“Increasing the draft will enable vessels to enter at any time reducing the queue of vessels waiting at anchorage to enter the port,” the state owned company said.
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