The Port of Durban offloaded its first shipment of Tata vehicles in six years on Wednesday, marking the Indian vehicle manufacturer’s return to South Africa after a protracted absence.
The roll-on roll-off vessel Swan Ace, a 17-year-old car carrier sailing under the Bahamas flag, carried a total consignment of 485 Tata vehicle units.
Transnet Port Terminals said the vehicle delivery at L&M Berth highlighted the role of the country’s ports as critical gateways linking international industries to local markets.
“Tata’s first shipment since 2019 through one of our terminals gives us great honour and encourages a sense of continued commitment to delivering a world-class service that supports our customers and strengthens South Africa’s competitiveness,” said Durban Port Terminals managing executive, Earle Peters.
The Durban Car Terminal is South Africa’s largest, with an annual throughput capacity of 520 000 fully built units.
Recent improvements include the digital conversion of over 60% of its parking bays, enhancing the movement of both imported and exported cars in a yard that parks over 12 500 vehicles.
The terminal exports seven models made in South Africa for 140 markets globally.
Adding historic significance to this moment, the Swan Ace was piloted into the Port of Durban during Women’s Month by one of Transnet National Ports Authority’s female marine pilots, Captain Camille van Wyk.
The operations were supported by a female tug master, Portia Miya, under the leadership of acting harbour master, Captain Thokozani Mthethwa.
“This moment is about more than just cargo handling operations. It’s about capacity, capability, and transformation,” Mthethwa said.
“Bringing in the first Tata vehicle shipment under the guidance of an all-women marine operations team during Women’s Month is a powerful statement about where the maritime sector in South Africa is headed.”
