south africaZAPEL

Port Elizabeth

Port Elizabeth - A Strategic Maritime Gateway in South Africa

Explore Port Elizabeth, a crucial port in South Africa facilitating trade, shipping, and economic development.

Overview of Port Elizabeth

Port Elizabeth, located along the picturesque shores of South Africa’s Eastern Cape, serves as a significant maritime hub known for its strategic importance in regional and international trade. The port is situated at the mouth of the Baakens River, providing crucial access for shipping lanes and serving as a gateway for goods entering and leaving Southern Africa. Renowned for its deep-water harbor, Port Elizabeth has a long-standing history as a center for maritime activity, historically rooted in trade, fishing, and shipping.

The port is equipped with modern facilities that enable it to handle a variety of cargo, including containers, automobiles, and bulk goods. This versatility has allowed Port Elizabeth to attract numerous shipping lines and maintain strong commercial relationships with businesses globally. In recent years, efforts have focused on enhancing the port's infrastructure, optimizing logistical operations, and increasing its capacity to accommodate larger vessels that dominate modern maritime trade.

In addition to its economic functions, Port Elizabeth plays a vital role in the local community, offering employment opportunities and supporting regional development initiatives. The port's operations facilitate the movement of essential goods such as food, raw materials, and manufactured products, thus fostering economic growth in the area. Moreover, Port Elizabeth is increasingly adopting sustainable practices aimed at reducing environmental impacts and promoting eco-friendly operations. Through these initiatives, it seeks not only to improve operational efficiency but also to enhance the quality of life for local communities. Overall, Port Elizabeth stands as a key player in South Africa’s economic landscape, enhancing trade and connectivity both locally and internationally.

Port Details

Comprehensive technical information and facilities available at Port Elizabeth

Basic Information

AddressP O Box 162Port Elizabeth 6000South Africa
Phone41 507 1885
Fax41 507 2793
Email-
Coordinates-33º -55' -35'' S, 25º 36' 22'' E
Decimal-33.9265642, 25.6063843
U N/ L O C O D EZAPLZ
Websitewww.transnetnationalportsauthority.net
RegionEast part of South Africa

Port Facilities

TerminalYes
Channel46 - 50 feet 14 - 15.2 meters
Anchorage41 - 45 feet 12.5 - 13.7 meters
Oil Terminal31 - 35 feet 9.4 - 10 meters
Harbor SizeMedium
Max Vessel SizeOver 500 feet in length
Harbor TypeCoastal Breakwater
Wharves-

Services & Equipment

ServiceDetailsStatus
Port TypeSeaport
Port SizeMedium
Inland portNo
Mean tide5 feet m
TideNot specified
Overhead LimitNot specified
SwellNot specified
Cargo Pier31 - 35 feet 9.4 - 10 meters
Mean Tide5 feet
ShelterFair
Turning AreaNot specified
CompulsoryNot specified
AvailableNot specified
AdvisableNot specified
Local AssistNot specified
ProvisionsNot specified
Fuel OilNot specified
DeckNot specified
WaterNot specified
Diesel OilNot specified
EngineNot specified
0-24 Ton LiftsNot specified
25-49 Ton LiftsNot specified
50-100 Ton LiftsNot specified
100+ Ton LiftsNot specified
Fixed CranesNot specified
Mobile CranesNot specified
Floating CranesNot specified
Med MoorNot specified
IceNot specified
AnchorNot specified
BeachNot specified
AssistNot specified
SalvageNot specified
PratiqueNot specified
Deratt CertNot specified
LongshoreNot specified
Electrical RepairNot specified
SteamNot specified
ElectricalNot specified
Navigation EqNot specified
Ship RepairsModerate
Marine RailroadLarge
DegaussNot specified
Drydock SizeNot specified
Garbage DisposalNot specified
Dirty BallastNot specified
TelephoneNot specified
RadioNot specified
AirNot specified
TelegraphNot specified
Radio TelNot specified
RailNot specified

Key Port Metrics

Essential performance indicators and operational statistics for Port Elizabeth

Annual TEUs

Approximately 110,000 TEUs, demonstrating stable trade activity and resilience in logistics.

Last 12 months container volume

Monthly Vessel Calls

An estimated average of 70-90 vessel calls per month, indicating diverse shipping activities throughout the year.

Average monthly vessel traffic

Average Port Stay

Typically ranges from 24-48 hours based on vessel type and cargo operations.

Typical vessel turnaround time

Berth Occupancy

Approximate occupancy of 75-85%, especially during peak shipping seasons and trade cycles.

Current utilization rate

On-Time Arrivals

No data

Schedule reliability

Anchorage Wait Time

No data

Average waiting at anchorage

Most Frequent Shipping Lines

Maersk Line, MSC, and various regional operators involved in container and automobile transport.

Regional shipping lines servicing routes within Asia and beyond

Main Trade Routes

No data available

Major routes connecting with Asia, Europe, and North America

Common Delay Causes

No data available

Weather conditions and peak season congestion factors

Vessel Schedule Performance

Analysis of vessel scheduling efficiency and common operational challenges

Schedule Performance Factors

Weather conditions that affect vessel operations such as storms or rough seas.
Port congestion during peak periods, impacting turnaround times for ships.

Common operational challenges and efficiency factors

Carbon Emissions & Sustainability Index

Environmental initiatives and sustainability measures at Port Elizabeth

Green Initiatives

Investment in energy-efficient technologies and renewable energy sources for port operations.
Efforts to enhance waste management and promote sustainable practices among port stakeholders.

Environmental sustainability initiatives

CO2 per TEU

No data available

Carbon emissions efficiency

Emission Score

No data available

Relative environmental performance

Port Congestion & Real-Time Status

Current port congestion levels and vessel traffic information

At Berth

No data available

Vessels currently docked

At Anchorage

No data available

Vessels waiting

Dwell Time

No data available

Average cargo stay

Congestion Trends

No data available

30-day congestion analysis

Regional Context & Economic Impact

Understanding the broader economic and regional significance of Port Elizabeth

Economic Significance

Port Elizabeth is a critical maritime facility that not only enhances regional trade dynamics but also serves as a vital connector between various markets globally. By facilitating the efficient movement of goods and attracting investment, the port plays a fundamental role in the economic landscape of the Eastern Cape. As Port Elizabeth continues to develop and implement sustainable practices, it strengthens its position as a key player in the broader South African maritime and trade networks.

Regional economic impact and significance

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions and answers about Port Elizabeth