NATIONAL NEWS - The East London automotive sector is set for a boost 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, that took 15 months to complete, brings much needed efficiency improvement, expansion of port capacity and an increase in automotive volume throughput.
The investment has 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 - currently the largest pure car carriers in the world fleet.
The port 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.
Transnet says 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.
This strategy promotes investment in infrastructure that is fit for purpose to improve competitiveness of port operations.
At the commissioning ceremony, Acting TNPA Chief Executive, Phyllis Difeto said the upgrade is in keeping with the port's potential as a critical node in the transport network and 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 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.
TNPA's role
Transnet National Ports Authority is tasked with providing a safe, effective, and efficient national port system. It must provide port infrastructure and marine services at the eight commercial seaports in South Africa - Richards Bay, Durban, Saldanha, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, East London, Mossel Bay and Ngqura. It is governed by the National Ports Act.
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