Ship SHAPE

regulation of the South African ports system is the Commercial Ports Policy of 2002.

The draft policy recognises that, given their strategic nature in boosting the economy, ports require “massive investment in infrastructure, innovative technology, proper management and a clear understanding of their evolving role in a globalising world economy”.

The following actions are contemplated by key statements regarding ports development as contained in the draft policy:

• A review of the 2002 Commercial Ports Policy.

• The introduction of a port land use spatial planning framework.

• The introduction of instruments for monitoring and evaluating private sector participation in commercial ports.

• Monitoring the competitiveness of South African ports.

Although broad (as is the case with much of the draft policy), these ambitions are relevant and encouraging and are largely already reflected in the current Durban port upgrade and expansion project, as well as the possible phased development of the intended dig-out port at the old airport site in the future.

As far as the former developments are concerned, Transnet is increasing capacity at the Durban Container Terminal, Maydon Wharf and Ro Ro terminal.

Berths 13 and 14 at Maydon Wharf have recently been reconstructed and deepened to allow safe berthing of larger ships with greater container capacity.

This is part of a R1.5 billion project to deepen six berths at Maydon Wharf. The reconstruction is to be welcomed as a positive development given that the youngest berth in this area of the port is 42 years old.

Transnet further aims to deepen berths 203 to 205 at the DCT so as to allow for increased capacity.

According to Engineering News, should the deepening (and lengthening) of these berths go according to plan (with construction to begin this year), it will be possible for the container terminal to handle three 350m vessels at once.

With the dig-out project on hold, the combined port expansion project for Durban aims to increase the terminal’s container capacity by 1.7 million TEUS.

Proactive and continuous