Transnet has reaffirmed that upgrade works at Durban's Pier 2 container terminal remain on track for completion in 2027, as shipping lines continue to raise concerns about berth waiting times at South Africa's busiest container port.
The project includes new ship-to-shore cranes and yard equipment intended to lift annual handling capacity, alongside software upgrades aimed at improving vessel and truck scheduling. Shipping lines have periodically diverted calls to Ngqura and Cape Town during periods of heavy congestion at Durban over the past two years.
Industry groups say the upgrade is critical given Durban's role as the primary import gateway for South Africa's Gauteng manufacturing and retail hubs, and have urged Transnet to hold to the published timeline after previous port projects saw delays.