Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) has announced the completion of its R60 million project to deepen and strengthen the automotive terminal berth (N-Berth) at the Port of East London.
TNPA said in a statement on Wednesday that the upgrade would expand port capacity, increase automotive volume throughput, and improve efficiency of the automotive terminal.
The investment has addressed inconsistencies in berth depth, ensuring that all berths along the West Quay are now 10.5m deep with a total length of 550m.
“This allows the Port of East London to simultaneously berth two new-generation automotive vessels greater than 200m along the West Quay. These are currently the largest pure car carriers in the world fleet,” TNPA said.
“The Port of East London now boasts a doubled design-berth capacity to handle 790 000 automotive units per year. This project reinforces the port’s status as a crucial hub for the automotive industry in South Africa.”
The deepening and strengthening of the automotive berth were part of TNPA’s Capital Investment Programme, underpinned by Transnet's strategy of realigning its business with strategic sectors of the economy to improve port competitiveness.
TNPA acting chief executive, Phyllis Difeto, speaking at the port’s automotive berth commissioning ceremony recently, said the project was a response to global shipping demands to enable the port's potential as a critical node in the transport network.
“The strengthening and deepening of the berth present an opportunity for increased investment while improving the positioning of the Port of East London as ready to service the global economy.”
The project promotes the economic growth of the port city, providing Original Equipment Manufacturers with access to essential transport networks and support partners for the automotive industry.
Approximately 50 direct and indirect jobs were created during the 15-month marine construction period, including construction personnel, suppliers and security services.
