Port Elizabeth : Overview
The Port of Port Elizabeth is managed by Transnet National Ports Authority, a division of Transnet LTD and is situated in Algoa Bay on the south-eastern coast of Africa, midway between the Ports of Durban (384 nautical miles north-east) and Cape Town (423 nautical miles west). The port is striving to be a world class port by adhering to international standards such as ISPS code. The port has integrating systems as this provides a framework for a holistic management system that can embrace all the processes and elements that need to be controlled. The port has the following accreditations: ISO 9001, ISO 14001, OHSAS 18001 and AMS 16001.
The port has a system called PortsOnline for acceptance of documents (cargo dues, manifests, outturns) electronically. The next phase for marine services on line will be implemented in the near future.
Longitude & Latitude
Latitude 34 ° 01' S (3357,5 S) Longitude 25 ° 42'E (2538,5 E)
Description of position
The Port of Port Elizabeth is situated in Algoa Bay on the south-eastern coast of Africa, midway between the Ports of Durban (384 nautical miles north-east) and Cape Town (423 nautical miles west).
The port is bounded on the southward by a line drawn from Cape Recife, east (true) to a point in the Indian Ocean, distant 1 609 metres, on the northward by a line drawn from the extreme point of the east bank of the Swartkops River, east (true) distant 1 609 metres;
On the eastward by a line drawn between these two points, and shall embrace the foreshore between high and low water marks from Cape Recife Lighthouse to the aforesaid line at the east bank of the Swartkops River, including that portion of the river which is on the seaward side of the bridge carrying the railway line to Alicedale, together with the jetties, port works and all port lands vested in the Government of the Republic of South Africa.
Main features including water area
The Port of Port Elizabeth is the fifth largest port in Southern Africa, based on tonnage handled, and the third largest in terms of revenue earned. The port has a container terminal, one of three in South Africa. Over the years, the port has gained a sound reputation for service quality and flexibility, a view shared by parties in the shipping fraternity.
Most of the cargo flowing through Port Elizabeth is generated in, or is destined for, the greater Algoa Bay area, reaching up to the Sundays River and Langkloof Valleys, however, some cargo is transported by rail and road to and from the Free State and Gauteng.
This area is heavily industrialised and intensively farmed. Traditionally, Port Elizabeth and nearby Uitenhage, which is part of the Nelson Mandela Metropole Municipality, have been the centre of the South African motor industry. As a result the port imports large volumes of containerised components and raw materials for this industry.
The bulk of exports comprise agricultural products: timber, wool, textiles, skins and hides in containers, as well as palletised citrus and deciduous fruit. Manganese ore, motor vehicle industry related products and steel are also exported. The Port of Port Elizabeth is equipped with VTS (Vessel Tracking Systems).
Future developments
In efforts to provide a port that is safe and secure to facilitate trade, the port is undergoing a security upgrade at a cost of R25 million. This project will encompass a variety of security installations such as: CCTV cameras, improved access control features, fibre optics and a control room. The project is earmarked for 2008 - 2009 financial year.
At a cost of R8,1 million security shelters will be built at all four entrances to the port. This aims at providing protection from inclement weather and improve security inspection and the project is scheduled to be completed in early 2008.
Rehabilitation of fishing industry facilities
The port has a large fishing industry and catch approximately 80% of the squid in SA. This project intends to revive dilapidated facilities and building new faciltities based on the cost implications. The feasibility study will be conducted in 2008, thereafter an informed decision will be made regarding the viability of the project.
Developments at Quay 1
Additional reefer points are currently being installed; the project will be completed in early 2008. A fifth container gantry is to be commissioned from November 2007 to March 2008.
Weather affecting port
The westerly wind aids vessels. In November the wind is often from the east. These strong winds make the sea rough and navigation in the port difficult. Strong winds may cause a delay to the docking and undocking of large vessels and cargo handling, however, this is only on exceptional occasions.