EAST LONDON- The Transnet National Ports Authority(TNPA) has officially commissioned the upgraded automotive berth at the Port of East London on 09 April 2025 marking a significant milestone in the port’s development. This project aimed to improve efficiency, expand capacity and increase automotive volume throughput.
This development allows the Port of East London to simultaneously accommodate two new-generation automotive vessels greater than 200m in length.
According to Port Manager of East London Dr. Siphiwe Mthembu, “Today is a big day for the Port of East London because we are commissioning a second berth which means an industry can now bring two automotive car carriers into the port.”
This investment is crucial for the region and the automotive sector.
Furthermore Acting TNPA Chief Executive, Phyllis Difeto, emphasized the importance of this upgrade, stating, “The commissioning of the automotive terminal berth serves as an enabler in realizing the port’s potential as a critical node in the transport network and in responding to global shipping demands.”
In addition, the strengthening and deepening of the berth present an opportunity for increased investment while improving the positioning of the Port of East London as ready to service the global economy.
Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality Executive Mayor, Cllr Princess Faku expressed optimism about future investments mentioning their recent trip to China with the Premier and MEC of Economic Development to attract investors, “We went to China looking for investment for them to invest in the city. We are still waiting and crossing fingers.”
Cllr Faku added, “This is a huge opportunity for us because we’ve been inviting people from outside the country to come and look at the port but they always have complaints about the size of the port. Now that the N-berth has been commissioned more people are going to come into the port and it would be a huge opportunity for Mercedes-Benz based in East London which is one of our main investors in the city.”
The commissioning of the automotive berth is a significant step forward for the Port of East London, enhancing its capacity to serve the automotive industry and respond to global shipping demands.
Photograph: supplied/BCMM
