Transnet to open multi-billion-rand tender for Durban Container Terminal

Dec 16, 2016: South Africa's national port authority Transnet will shortly release a multi-billion-rand tender for maritime construction works at the country's primary container port.

The work relates to the deepening and lengthening of berths at Durban Container Terminal which handles around 65 per cent of South Africa's total container throughput.

Environment approval was granted for the marine and landside works, which will improve the port's overall productivity of the port by reducing waiting times because vessels will no longer have to wait for high tide to enter the port, Transnet said in a statement.

"The increased size of container vessels calling the Port of Durban has resulted in DCT:Pier 2 berths now operating beyond their original design specifications in regard to water depth," the statement read.

The full project will cost around 7 billion rand, which includes dredging the approach channel and basin to a depth of 16.5 meters from the current 2.8 meters. Around 300 meters is also being added to the length of container berths.