Transnet, the state-owned port operator, has commenced the expansion of two berths at Durban port as part of a R154 billion plan to elevate the port into an international container hub, as reported by Moneyweb. This endeavour involves reconstructing, deepening, and extending berths to accommodate larger vessels. The projected timeline for completion is five years, with an estimated creation of about 32,730 jobs.
Encouragingly, there are current indications of alleviation in the backlog at the container port, with 11 vessels positioned at anchorage off the Durban coast awaiting offloading. Efforts to enhance operational efficiency, including the introduction of additional gantry cranes, are expected to reduce the backlog to single digits by December, according to Transnet.
