East London, South Africa
East London is South Africa’s only river port city, renowned for its beautiful beaches and gateway to the Wild Coast.
Port Overview
East London is South Africa’s only river port, located at the mouth of the Buffalo River on the southeastern coast, approximately 950 km east of Cape Town and 460 km south of Durban. It ranks as a medium-sized port nationally and is strategically important for regional trade, particularly serving the Eastern Cape’s automotive and agricultural sectors. The port features 12 commercial berths and handles around 65,000 TEUs annually. Its efficient rail and road links connect it to major inland markets, reinforcing its role as a vital gateway for imports and exports in South Africa.
Facilities & Infrastructure
East London, South Africa’s only river port, features a multi-purpose terminal (including container handling), a bulk grain terminal with the country’s largest grain elevator, and a modern multi-level car terminal. Key cargo facilities include 11 commercial berths, a dry dock, and repair quay. Equipment includes straddle carriers, reach stackers, forklifts, four electric cranes, and one mobile crane. The port does not currently operate AGVs but maintains efficient cargo movement with its existing fleet.
Container Terminals
East London, South Africa’s container terminal operates within the Multi-Purpose Terminal, featuring 2 dedicated container berths. The terminal handles up to 90,000 TEUs annually and relies on ships’ own gear, as it lacks gantry cranes, indicating a low level of automation. Transnet Port Terminals is the major operator, managing both container and break-bulk cargo. The facility supports regional automotive and industrial exports, with ample capacity for future growth.
Port Services
- Container handling: Dedicated container terminal with modern equipment for efficient loading and unloading.
- Cargo operations: Handles bulk, break-bulk, automotive, grain, and general cargo through multi-purpose and specialized terminals.
- Ship services: Includes pilotage, tug assistance, bunkering, ship chandling, ship repair, fresh water supply, and 24/7 port control.
- Warehousing: Grain elevator with large storage capacity, covered and open storage for various cargo types.
- Customs: On-site customs office with extended operating hours for import/export clearance and regulatory compliance.
Global Connectivity
East London, South Africa, is a key river port with strong road and rail links to the Eastern Cape, Free State, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, and Port Elizabeth. It serves as a major export hub for automotive vehicles and grain, supporting local manufacturing and agriculture. The port connects to international shipping routes reaching Asia, Europe, and North America, enabling efficient access to global markets and supporting regional economic growth.
Port Statistics
East London Port, South Africa – Key Statistics (2025):
- TEU Throughput: 1,732 TEUs (May 2025; annualized throughput remains under 25,000 TEUs)
- World Ranking: Not ranked among major global container ports; smallest commercial port in South Africa
- Number of Berths: 6 main berths
- Port Area: Approximately 130 hectares
- Shipping Lines: Serviced by regional and feeder lines; main operators include Transnet Port Terminals, with occasional calls by MSC and Maersk for automotive and general cargo
Primary focus: Vehicle exports, roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) cargo, and limited container traffic.
