Deeper draught on the cards as larger vessels sail in

Equipment and draught factors at the Pier 2 Durban container terminal (DCT) are currently hindering the efficient operation of company ships at the terminal’s berths, according to Glenn Delve, marketing director of the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC). “The main factors at the terminal that are affecting us are the equipment on berths 200 and 202 where MSC is calling,” he told FTW. “The gantry cranes, for example, are 30 years old, and rather slow in the loading/ unloading procedure. “But there are plans to replace these units with new cranes, and we are assured that the intentions of the port authorities are for this to be rectified in the foreseeable future.” Another factor is the draught considerations alongside the berths and on the outgoing channel. The problem is that MSC has the largest vessel calling at the Port of Durban, and the post- Panamax container ship, the 8 500-TEU capacity MSC Meva, has a maximum draught of 14.5 metres – well over the current depth of the inner harbour. “But,” said Delve, “we have had excellent co-operation from Transnet Port Terrminals (TPT) and Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA), allowing us to sail our vessels on the tide at increased draught. “Although we have to shortload the Meva, she can sail with a draught of 13m at high water.” And again, Delve has been assured by the port authorities that dredging is soon to take place, and the eventual aim is to dredge out the inner harbour to take a maximum draught of 15m. “This solution of the deepening of the berths and the entry/exit channel will allow the 14.5-m Meva to sail at maximum draught. “It also fits in with our intentions to have continued calls of this magnitude, combined with consideration of other global links via Durban on services currently not calling Durban.”