The Port of Durban is Africa's busiest container port and South Africa's primary gateway for international trade. Handling approximately 60% of all South African import shipments, it's at the heart of the country's logistics network — and it's where V & S Freight operates daily.
Port Overview
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa |
| Type | Natural harbour, deep water port |
| Container capacity | ~2.9 million TEUs per year |
| Share of SA trade | ~60% of container imports |
| Terminals | Container, Multi-purpose, Automotive, Dry bulk, Liquid bulk |
| Operator | Transnet Port Terminals (TPT) |
| Anchorage | Multiple anchorage points in Durban Bay |
Key Terminals
Durban Container Terminal (DCT)
- Location: Bayhead area
- Pier 1 and Pier 2 — Handle majority of container traffic
- Equipment: Ship-to-shore gantry cranes, straddle carriers, RTGs
- Handles: FCL and LCL container cargo
Maydon Wharf
- Multi-purpose terminal — Breakbulk, general cargo, heavy lifts
- Dry bulk terminal — Coal, manganese, chrome exports
- Used for: Mining exports, construction cargo, project cargo
Island View
- Liquid bulk terminal — Petroleum products, chemicals, edible oils
- Tank farm storage facilities
Durban Car Terminal
- RoRo and vehicle handling
- Vehicle pre-delivery inspection facilities
- Handles: Car imports/exports, heavy machinery
How Import Clearance Works at Durban Port
- Vessel arrives and berths — Ship allocated a berth by port control
- Cargo discharged — Containers lifted from vessel to stack
- Customs entry submitted — V & S Freight submits via EDI to SARS
- SARS processes — Entry checked, duty and VAT calculated
- Payment — Duty and VAT paid electronically
- Release — SARS releases cargo (unless CBCU stop)
- Gate-out — Truck collects container from terminal
- Delivery — Container delivered to your premises
Port Charges (Indicative)
| Charge | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Wharfage (import) | R800-R2,000 per container |
| Port health | R200-R500 |
| Container handling | R3,000-R6,000 per container |
| Storage (free days exceeded) | R200-R500 per day per container |
| ISPS security | R100-R300 |
Free storage: Typically 3-5 free days after discharge. After that, storage charges accumulate rapidly.
Tips for Importers Using Durban Port
- Submit customs entry BEFORE vessel arrival — Pre-clearance speeds up release
- Collect within free days — Avoid expensive port storage
- Use a Durban-based clearing agent — We can attend the port same-day
- Track your vessel — Know when it berths to plan collection
- Ensure complete documentation — Missing docs = delays = storage charges
V & S Freight at Durban Port
Our office on Margaret Mncadi Avenue is minutes from the port. We clear cargo daily at DCT, Maydon Wharf, and the car terminal.