Durban is the largest city in the Province of KwaZulu – Natal and the principal port for general cargo and containers in South Africa.

The port was constructed on a low area at the mouth of two rivers – Mhlatuzana River and Umbilo River. It consists of an almost land-locked sheltered harbor entered via a single channel, marked by buoys.

The Container Terminal is located at Pier No 2 and it includes 6 berths, with the longest one of 305m.

Our vessel, ALS Fauna, visited the port of Durban three times, during the months of October, December and January, berthing mostly in the morning and leaving after 4-7 days, during nighttime.

ALS Fauna always came portside alongside, approaching the berth inside the container terminal with the help of two tugs, both pushing in the starboard side.

Upon departure, a 180˚ swing to starboard was performed with the help of two tugs, one pulling in the starboard bow and the other pushing in the starboard quarter.

You can watch the entering maneuver video here.