Durban Harbour, the largest port on the continent and a major gateway to
Africa. From humble beginnings approximately 150 years ago, this port has
expanded to become the busiest on the African continent.
The National Ports Authority (NPA) is spearheading many development
projects to ensure the port of Durban retains its status as Africa’s premier
port.
Basil Ndlovu, the Port manager said, “2004 is indeed a significant year
for the National Ports Authority. We have recently commemorated our 3rd
anniversary, the significance being that it has formed a port of the 10th
year of democracy.”
The mission of the NPA is to facilitate economic growth in South Africa by
providing and sustaining port systems that are amongst the best in the
world.
The Growth of the Port has been marked by successive expansion and
enhancement to meet the needs of the users. To enhance the efficiency of
South Africa’s Ports a new structure was formed which comprises of the NPA (National Port Authority) and SAPO (South
African Port Operations) as separate entities.
This new structure is specifically designed to separate the landlord and
operational functions. This will optimize the benefits and potential of
public / private partnerships, while at the same time retaining state
ownership of this essential part of the national infrastructure.
Core Features The core features of the Durban Harbour from the north side of the
harbour mouth round the perimeter and to the south side of its entrance are
the following:
North Pier (breakwater) – 335m
Pump House
Ferry System
Kings Battery
Granite Wharf/Terminal
T Jetty – Ocean Terminal (Admin. Offices) & Monument to the ‘ Lady
in White’- Perla Gibson who sang to departing troop ships in World War
II
North Shed – Passenger Liners depart from here and Rice & Citrus
Terminal
Small Craft Harbour – tugs, pilot boats etc. and the BAT Centre
Gardiner Street Jetty – Café Fish and pleasure cruise depart from
here.
Maydon Wharf – Sugar Terminal – molasses, sugar, maize, soda ash,
fertilizer and timber products stored and transferred to ships in this
area.
Prince Edward Graving Docks & Ship repair area.
Bluff Yacht Club
Mangroves
Container Terminal
Bulk Shipping Berths
Defence Force Offices
Old Whaling Station
South Pier – Innes Brakwater 700m
Control Tower on Bluff
Durban continues to be set for growth in the years ahead and has forged
international links, which will be to the advantage of not only the port
but also the country as a whole.
Click on the link to view a map of the Durban
Port
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