Port of South Africa

South Africa destination for sea transport

The seven trading ports of South Africa are important intermediate stops for shipping, both to and from Europe, Asia, America, Australia and of course both coasts of Africa. Exports from South Africa are 96% by sea. It is therefore not surprising that every single port in South Africa, which is under the administration of the Transnet National Ports Authority, is also a destination for many imports.

These seven ports of South Africa are:

• Saldanha on the Western CapeCape Town on the Western Cape
• Mossel Bay on the Western Cape
• Richards Bay in KwaZulu-Natal
• Durban in KwaZulu-Natal
• Port Elizabeth on the Eastern Cape
• East London on the Eastern Cape

The port of Durban has the largest container facility in Africa, which is probably also the reason why it is considered the busiest port in South Africa.
But if you choose Richards Bay as destination, you have certainly loaded coal. Because the world's largest bulk terminal for coal is located here. Whereas Cape Town handles approx. 8 million tons per year and is therefore the largest transhipment port in South Africa. Saldanha Bay is the leader in the export of ore. As time went by, shipping the good quality ores from Port Elizabeth became too complicated, so in 1973 the mining group ISCOR took over the construction management for this ore port. Since its completion, it has been the largest natural harbour in the whole of Africa, covering an area of 7,434 ha, and Mossel Bay is the main fishing port on the south coast of Africa. But because of its proximity to the drilling platforms, it is also the most frequently visited destination for the workers.
Port Elizabeth, located in the west of Algoa Bay, is now the third largest port in the country. East London is the only port in South Africa to be situated on a river. Nevertheless, it is the fourth largest in the country, which is probably not least due to the location of Daimler AG there and the good connection to the South African Airways network through the city's modern airport.