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Port of Durban

ZADUR🇿🇦South Africa

Port Location

About Port of Durban

This is sub-Saharan Africa's largest and busiest shipping terminal, handling over 31 million tons of cargo annually. It is a major container hub, processing approximately 4.5 million TEU. The port accommodates a wide range of vessel types, including bulk carriers and tankers, and features extensive lifting and wharf loading facilities.

Background
The Port of Durban, commonly called Durban Harbour, is the largest and busiest shipping terminal in sub-Saharan Africa. It handles up to 31.4 million tons of cargo each year. It is the fourth largest container terminal in the Southern Hemisphere, handling approximately 4.5 million TEU in 2019.

Current Conditions

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Vessel Limits

Max Draft
15m
Channel Depth
11ft
Tidal Range
2ft
Elevation
385m

Operations & Services

Port of Entry
Yes
Pilotage Compulsory
Yes
Tug Assistance
Yes
Cranes
Mobile, Floating
Drydock
Large
Repair Code
B
Terminals
4

History

Operator (Wikidata ID)
Transnet

Terminals (4)

DURBAN RORO TERMINAL

TRANSNET PORT TERMINALS

South Beach, Durban, 4001, South Africa

www.transnetportterminals.net →

GRINDROD MAYDON WHARF TERMINALS

GRINDROD MAYDON WHARF TERMINALS

Crabtree Rd, Maydon Wharf, Durban, 4001, South Africa

www.transnetportterminals.net →

TRANSNET PORT TERMINALS DURBAN PIER 1

TRANSNET PORT TERMINALS

Bayhead Rd, Bayhead, Durban, 4001, South Africa

www.transnetportterminals.net →

TRANSNET PORT TERMINALS DURBAN PIER 2

TRANSNET PORT TERMINALS

Langeberg Rd, Bayhead, Durban, 4001, South Africa

www.transnetportterminals.net →

Identification

UN/LOCODE
ZADUR
Country
🇿🇦South Africa
Time Zone
UTC+2
Feature Type
PRT (Port)

Classification

Type
Port
Harbor Type
Coastal breakwater
Shelter
Excellent

Region

Subdivision
ZA-KZN
Area
South Africa
Latitude
-29.8810°
Longitude
31.0265°

References & Identifiers

WPI No.
46850 →
GeoNames ID
13546042 →
Wikidata
Q7231133 →
Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Official Site
transnet.net →

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the draft restrictions at the Port of Durban?+
The controlling depth at Durban is 15 meters. Draft restrictions should be confirmed with the port authority before arrival, as silting, dredging operations, and tidal conditions can affect available depths. Pilotage is typically required for larger vessels.
How do I navigate the approach to the Port of Durban?+
The approach to Durban is supported by 5 navigation aids within 50 nautical miles. The nearest is Island View Channel Range Front Lighthouse at 0.6 NM to the S. Other aids include Durban Entrance Channel Leading (0.9 NM ESE), Durban Channel Range Front (1 NM ESE), Durban Channel Range Rear (1 NM SE), Anglo-American Building (1.4 NM N). Mariners should consult the relevant chart and List of Lights for full approach details.
What sea or ocean is the Port of Durban on?+
The Port of Durban is situated on the Indian Ocean in ZA. The area falls within the subtropical climate zone with mild winters and warm summers, which can influence port operations and seasonal shipping patterns.
How do I track vessels arriving at or departing from the Port of Durban?+
You can track vessels near Durban (ZADUR) in real time using MarineRadar. The platform displays live AIS positions of nearby ships, including vessel name, type, flag, speed, and course. Use the "Track Vessels Nearby" button on this page or search for ZADUR on the live map.
What are the operating hours and time zone for the Port of Durban?+
The Port of Durban operates in the UTC+2 time zone. Operating hours, VTS schedules, and pilot availability vary — vessel agents should confirm with the port authority in advance, especially for night arrivals or weekend operations.
What is the Port of Durban?+
DURBAN (UN/Locode: ZADUR), South Africa is a seaport located at approximately -29.88100° N, 31.02650° E.
Where is the Port of Durban located?+
Coordinates: -29.88100° N, 31.02650° E.
What facilities are available at the Port of Durban?+
Harbor type/size: Coastal Breakwater and Large. Cranes: mobile cranes and floating cranes. Lifting: 0–24 MT lifts, 25–49 MT lifts and 50–100 MT lifts. Support: wharf loading/offloading, good holding ground and turning area. Depths: channel depth 11m - 12.2m; anchorage depth 21.6m - 22.9m; cargo pier depth 4.9m - 6.1m; oil terminal depth 9.4m - 10m and maximum draft approx. 10.08 m.
What are the operational restrictions at the Port of Durban?+
Entrance/operational restrictions — tide: restrictions present; swell: restrictions present; ice: none; overhead limits: apply and other: may apply.
What are the communications and port formalities at the Port of Durban?+
Communication & port formalities — telephone: available; radio (VHF): available; air services: available; rail: available; ETA message: required; quarantine pratique: available; deratting certificate: not available and first port of entry: available. Pilotage & towage — pilotage: compulsory; tug assistance: available and tug salvage: available.
What types of vessels historically call at the Port of Durban?+
Vessel types historically calling: Bulk Carrier, Container, Fishing, Gas Carrier, General Cargo, Offshore, Passenger, Pleasure Craft, Ro Ro, Special Craft, Tanker and Unspecified.
Who are the ship suppliers at the Port of Durban?+
Ship suppliers include Stem Fuels and AVS Global Ship Supply & Catering Management.
Which service providers operate at the Port of Durban?+
Service providers include Inglasco International Ltd and Apex Stowaway Detection.