To misquote Mark Twain: “The reports of Durban’s demise as a regional gateway have been greatly exaggerated.”Despite its many challenges and the increased capacity of other ports in the region, Durban remains the biggest by far.Its capacity for handling 4.5 million TEU a year is nearly double the 2.4 million TEU capacities of Maputo, Beira, Lobito and Walvis Bay combined.Even with planned short- to medium-term investments in the neighbouring ports, Durban will remain the biggest.There are also entrenched logistics value chains between Durban and the rest of the region.Another thing working in Durban’s favour is the fact that it has economies of scale – the port handles more than 60% of South Africa’s containerised cargo, according to Transnet, as well as large volumes of dry and liquid bulk, and vehicles.Large volumes attract international shipping lines, at least 13 of which have a presence in Durban, with CMA CGM, Maersk, Hapag-Lloyd and MSC making weekly calls.The connection with the regional economy is demonstratedby official statistics for the third quarter of 2024. Namibia was the leading export destination with R2.56 billion in cargo, followed by Botswana (R2.28 billion) and Zimbabwe (R1.92 billion).Trade with other Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries amounted to R1.43 billion for Zambia, R1.13 billion for Swaziland, R1.06 billion for Mozambique, and R911 million for Lesotho.Overall, SADC countries accounted for about R11 billion in trade through Durban.International connectivity is illustrated by the leading third-quarter European destinations: Belgium (R958 million), the United Kingdom (R650 million) and France (R645 million).Durban and Richards Bay are also central to KwaZulu-Natal’s oceans economy drive.Speaking at the opening of the Oceans Economy Conference and Expo 2025 was Musa Zondi, the MEC for KwaZulu-Natal’s Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs. He said: “We are aligning our provincial Integrated Maritime Strategy with the national goals under Operation Phakisa, a programme aimed at unlocking the full economic potential of our oceans. This alignment is not symbolic; it is structural and strategic.” ER
