Plans to develop a new and bigger cruise terminal in Durban are under way.

Manager of Durban Port, Rickey Bhikraj, said construction on the new terminal would be completed by the end of June 2015.
 
Bhikraj was speaking at the inaugural Seatrade Africa Cruise Forum, which was held at Fairmont Zimbali Lodge & Resort in Durban from May 10 to 12. The first of its kind, the conference saw cruise lines, tour operators, suppliers, tourism officials and other delegates gather to discuss the way forward for Africa’s developing cruise market.
 
Among the issues discussed regarding opportunities and challenges was port infrastructure development, currently one of the areas restricting the cruise industry in Africa.

The new cruise terminal, Bhikraj said, would work towards alleviating some of these issues. The terminal will be able to cater for at least two large vessels with a combined capacity of 5 000 passengers. It will be 35 000sqm, with a 700m quay and 10,5m berth.

In addition, unlike the current terminal, the new cruise terminal will be separate from the cargo operational area, further easing congestion. Also, the terminal will be situated closer to hospitality developments and attractions such as uShaka Marine World.

“It is a holistic concept of a multipurpose facility that will incorporate the whole area of Durban and Durban tourism,” Bhikraj said.

Development on the project is in the main phases, with prefeasibility to be completed by the end of December. Feasibility and tender phase will be complete by the end of May 2013.
 
“There is a strong indication that parties are willing to invest,” said Bhikraj.

Meanwhile, fellow panellists at the conference, including Simon Douwes, Director of Deployment & Itinerary Planning, Holland America Line; Matthew Grimes, Planning, Ports and Logistics Director; Craig Milan, SVP Land Operations, Royal Caribbean Cruises & President, Royal Celebrity Tours; and Stefano Vigoriti, Managing Director, MSC Cruises South Africa, expressed enthusiasm over the development, saying there was a definite need for infrastructural developments at SA’s ports and these would be welcomed.