Berth upgrade project completed
Enhancing efficiency in the automative sector
SOUTH AFRICA: The East London automotive sector is set for a makeover following Transnet National Ports Authority’s (TNPA’s) completion of a R60 million project to deepen and strengthen the automotive terminal berth at the Port of East London.
This upgrade brings the much-needed efficiency improvement, expansion of port capacity and an increase in automotive volume throughput.
The investment has successfully addressed inconsistencies in berth depth, ensuring that all berths along the West Quay are now -10.5m (CD) in depth with a total length of 550m. This allows the Port of East London to simultaneously berth two new-generation automotive vessels greater than 200m along the West Quay, these are currently the largest pure car carriers in the world fleet.
The Port of East London now boasts a doubled design-berth-capacity to handle 790 000 automotive units per year. This project reinforces the port’s status as a crucial hub for the automotive industry in South Africa.
The deepening and strengthening of the automotive berth (N-Berth) project is part of TNPA’s Capital Investment Programme and is underpinned by Transnet's strategy which focuses on realigning its business with strategic sectors of the South African economy.
“The strengthening and deepening of the berth present an opportunity for increased investment while improving the positioning of the Port of East London as ready to service the global economy.”
Delivering a keynote address at the port’s automotive berth commissioning ceremony, Acting TNPA Chief Executive, Phyllis Difeto said: “The commissioning of the automotive terminal berth serves as an enabler in realising the port's potential as a critical node in the transport network and in responding to global shipping demands.
“The strengthening and deepening of the berth present an opportunity for increased investment while improving the positioning of the Port of East London as ready to service the global economy.”
The execution of this project promotes the economic growth of the port city, providing Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) with access to essential transport networks and support partners for the automotive industry.
Approximately 50 direct and indirect jobs were created during the 15- month marine construction period including construction personnel, suppliers and security services.
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