Name of the Project
Durban Cruise Terminal (DCT) project.

Location
Port of Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

Project Owner/s
Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) and the KwaZulu Cruise Terminal (KCT).

KCT, which is 70%-owned by MSC Cruises and 30% by broad-based black economic-empowerment investment company Africa Armada Consortium, was declared the preferred bidder for the 25-year concession project in May 2017.

KCT will finance, build, operate and maintain the new cruise terminal.

Project Description
The project entails the design, financing, construction, operation, maintenance and transfer of a cruise terminal facility for a 25-year concession period in the Port of Durban.
 
The terminal will be completed in phases. The length of quay available will be 340m.

The planned terminal with a retail component is designed as a multiuse facility for  cruise and hospitality training, conferencing and events facilities.

The new ‘green’ and energy efficient terminal will include features and facilities that will allow for the simultaneous handling of vessels.

There will be parking for 200 vehicles, with kerbside drop-off facilities for 12 buses, dedicated baggage drop-off areas, separate screening and temporary holding areas, as well as separate passenger entry and exit points.

Potential Job Creation
According to KCT, the project will result in the creation of up to 10 000 employment opportunities through the multiplier effect, of which more than 100 will be direct jobs during the operation phase. KCT has set aside a budget of R3-million for the training and development of more than 100 people during the construction phase.

Capital Expenditure
Capital investment for the project has been estimated at R215-million.

Planned Start /End Date
The 18-month construction phase began in November 2019, with operations scheduled to start in  2021, subject to delays because of Covid-19.

Latest Developments
On November 8, 2019, MSC Cruises started the construction of the new passenger terminal, which will also host the MSC Shosholoza Ocean Academy training facility.

TNPA plans to start construction on its own section of the promenade in the third quarter of 2020, which will connect to the cruise terminal, enabling passengers to have direct access and connections to the central beachfront.

Key Contracts and Suppliers
KCT (preferred bidder for DCT).

Contact Details for Project Information
MSC Cruises, ross.volk@msccruises.co.za.