Ngqura Harbour
The port of Ngqura, which began commercial ship operations (containers) in October 2009, lies some 20km northeast of Port Elizabeth and is South Africa’s 8th and latest commercial port development, situated at the mouth of the Coega River in Nelson Mandela Bay (Algoa Bay). Transnet National Ports Authority of SA is responsible for developing the deepwater port, while Transnet Port Terminals (TPT) has been appointed to handle all terminal operations. An Industrial Development Zone, known as the Coega IDZ, has been developed over the 12,000 hectare site in the area including the river and port, with a 4,500 ha core development immediately identified. The IDZ will serve as a primary location for new industrial development for export driven industries. The port is of deepwater construction capable of serving post-Panamax dry and liquid bulkers and the new generation of cellular container ships.
Port Of Ngqura
The design vessels for the port are:
Dry Bulk Carriers
Deadweight tonnage: 85,000-DWT, revised to 120,000-DWT
Length OA: 250m
Beam: 36.5m
Loaded draught: 14.0m
Cellular Container Vessels
TEU: 6,600, revised to 12,500-TEU
Deadweight tonnage: 150,000DWT
Length OA: 300m
Beam: 40m
Loaded draught: 14.0m
The horizontal geometry of the port is such that 150,00DWT bulkers and 12,500TEU cellular container ships can manoeuvre within the port, although initial dredging is being limited to accommodate the design vessels only.
Situated in the Eastern Cape province, the Port of Ngqura, often referred to as Coega, stands as a beacon of maritime development. Boasting deepwater access and a diverse range of terminals, including container, bulk, and automotive facilities, Ngqura serves as a vital gateway for South Africa’s burgeoning trade sector. Its strategic location and expanding infrastructure accommodate the growing volumes of containerized cargo, bulk commodities, and automotive exports, driving economic growth in the region.
Additional Information
- Location: Coega, Eastern Cape province.
- Description: Deepwater port with container, bulk, and automotive terminals.
- Facilities: Container terminals, bulk terminals, RoRo facilities, automotive terminals, and ship repair facilities.
- Limitations: Limited draft in some areas, occasional congestion during peak periods.
- Cargo Volumes: Continuously growing volumes of containerized cargo, bulk cargo, and automotive exports.
