Transnet National Ports Authority has concluded an agreement that will see KwaZulu Cruise Terminal (KCT) finance, construct, operate, maintain and transfer a new Cruise Terminal Facility in the Port of Durban by October 2020.

The R200 million-plus project is expected to dovetail with the City’s latest work to extend the beachfront promenade from uShaka beach southwards to the harbour entrance, as well as the development of Durban Point Waterfront.

The detailed design phase will commence in April and is expected to be completed by the end of the year. This will be followed by an 18-month construction phase from January 2019 to July 2020 and the cruise terminal is expected to commence operations in October 2020 kicking off the 2020/2021 cruise season.

KCT was announced last year as the preferred bidder for the 25-year concession project. The company is a Joint Venture between MSC Cruises SA and Africa Armada Consortium.

TNPA Chief Executive, Shulami Qalinge, says Transnet is delighted to have concluded terms that will bring benefits to all parties, but most importantly to the City of Durban and South Africa as a growing cruise destination. “In doing so, we will truly be positioning Durban as a ‘Smart Port City’ and a world-class cruise capital.”

Multi-purpose development

The new green and energy efficient terminal will boast a host of new features and facilities, allowing for simultaneous embarkation and disembarkation of passengers on multiple vessels.

Parking will be provided for around 200 vehicles, with kerbside drop-off facilities for 12 buses, dedicated baggage drop-off areas, separate screening and temporary holding areas, as well as separate passenger entry and exit points.

There will be a retail component, as well as multi-purpose training, conferencing and events facilities and adequate space allocated for other ancillary services.

Potential for growth

Looking at the cruise industry’s potential growth, with the construction of the new terminal KCT expects cruise calls to Durban to increase from 60 to 150+ calls by 2040, and passenger numbers to grow from 200 000 to more than 700 000 by the same year.

During the off-peak season the terminal will remain active as it has been designed to serve as a multipurpose facility including a Cruise and Hospitality Training Academy, office space for Maritime tenants and a fully-fledged events and conference centre.