Transnet approves R1,34 billion programme for Durban upgrade

Ports of Southern Africa Three componenets include: l Straddle carrier replacement l Conversion of Pier 1 to a fully dedicated container terminal l Redevelopment of the City Terminal Terry Hutson "A MAJOR development project that will confirm Durban's status as Africa's premier container port." Those are the words used by Portnet's Manager for Capacity Planning, Noel Ducray, to describe the Port of Durban Development 2005 project. Based on unescalated year 2000 prices, Transnet has approved a R1,34 billion investment programme that will lead to the upgrading of the port's existing facilities and expansion of container handling capacity to meet long-term requirements. Ducray's report explains that the rationale behind the investment is to support continued growth in container traffic at the port, which is approaching full capacity. In 2000 the Durban Container Terminal handled 1 125 232 TEUs (20 foot equivalents), or 65% of the country's seaborne container traffic, and has experienced annual increases averaging in excess of 6% compounded. According to Ducray this is because the port is the best positioned to take advantage of the important manufacturing and economic regions of Durban and Gauteng. "Forecasts indicate that high growth will continue for container handling in line with world trends," his report concludes. Three-pronged approach to upgrade The project consists of three main components to be implemented over a 4-year period. The first of these calls for a major upgrade of the existing container terminal to "exhaust the container handling capacity." This requires new infrastructure - a further 19 straddle carriers are currently in the process of being ordered - in front of a replacement programme that will see the entire fleet of 61 straddle carriers replaced. Three additional quayside cranes will also be provided. This segment is aimed at increasing the existing terminal capacity from 1,3 million TEUs to 1,6 million. The second and more visible phase requires the conversion of Pier 1, which is currently used as a multi purpose terminal. Pier 1 will become a fully dedicated container terminal, adjacent to the existing terminal. Portnet believes that its close proximity will permit the use of shared support facilities and an efficient interchange of containers between the two terminals. Pier 1 already has well-established road and rail access but further civil engineering works and equipment will be phased in to meet demand over a 4-year period. The equipment includes 4 quayside cranes and 17 straddle carriers. When complete the new terminal on Pier 1 will add a further 325 000 TEUs per