Durban Harbour and Port

Durban is the Capital City of the South African Province of KwaZulu-Natal, on the East Coast of the Country. It is not only a popular tourist attraction and coastal hotspot, but it is also home to the continent’s biggest Container Terminal and one of the major Ports in Africa - the Durban Harbour. The modern Port of Durban was first established when a party of British men from the Cape Colony settled on the shores of the Bay of Natal in 1824 to establish a Trading Post. This Harbour is also a popular Tourist Attraction too, thanks to its idyllic Setting, central Positioning, and massive Proportions. The Bay is surrounded by a stunning conservation Area of mangrove swamps. Durban Harbour is a natural Harbour that still resembles the original Bay’s shape. It is said that Portuguese explorer, Vasco da Gama, discovered the Bay in 1497. Soon, it became a major point of access that was conveniently located between Algoa Bay and Maputo Bay. Today, visitors to Durban Harbour can look forward to watching in awe as giant Container Ships, are led in! There are a number of Ferry Trips and Cruises that take place in the Harbour. These Trips are an awesome pastime for Locals and Visitors alike, and a great way to see the beauty of the KZN Coastline. Chartered fishing boats are docked at the Harbour and promise avid fishermen a great opportunity to try their hand at angling in the Indian Ocean waters off Durban’s shores. The bay is surrounded by a stunning conservation Area of mangrove swamps. This not only adds to the beauty and splendour of the Natural Countryside, but also provides the ideal Habitat for a number of animal species. For those that feel more energetic, the bay is also a fantastic place to go Parasailing, Kayaking or Canoeing. The Port of Durban operates 24 Hours a Day, 365 Days a Year. During daylight ships are supposedly restricted to 243.8 m length with a maximum width of 35 m and a draught of 11.9 m, or 12.2 m according to tide and Harbour Master's clearance. Larger vessels are common, and ships up to 300 m lengths and 37 m beams are regular callers in Durban. Night restrictions are for a ship length of 200 m, a beam of 26 m, and maximum draught of 11.6 m. The Harbour Master has to be consulted for permission if larger vessels are to enter Port! On the 10 October 2017. during a freak storm, two container ships collided in Durban Harbour, resulting in 2.2 billion plastic pellets, commonly known as nurdles, being spilled. This resulted in a major environmental clean-up, (you can read more by clicking on the link in Further Reading!)