Durban Harbour

About Durban Harbour

Durban Harbour, also known as the Port of Durban, is Sub-Saharan Africa's busiest container port and the premier shipping gateway for the southern African region. Situated on South Africa’s east coast along major international maritime trade routes, this extensive natural harbor features a 21-kilometre circumference and operates 58 berths managed by over 20 terminal operators. The port handles approximately 60% of South Africa's total container traffic and welcomes more than 4,500 commercial vessels annually, supported by an internal rail network spanning over 302 kilometres to transport freight inland.

To accommodate modern, ultra-large container ships, the entrance channel has been widened to 220 metres and deepened to 19 metres at its outer approach, while ongoing infrastructure upgrades continue to expand capacity at major hubs like Pier 2. Beyond its industrial functions, the port integrates public and leisure infrastructure on its northern shores, featuring Wilson's Wharf for commercial boat cruises, the Port Natal Maritime Museum, and the MSC Nelson Mandela Cruise Terminal, which functions as the primary hub for luxury passenger liners.