A JOINT venture between MSC Cruises SA (a subsidiary of MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company SA) and Africa Armada Consortium (a black empowerment partner) plans to position Durban as a world-class cruise capital.
This was announced earlier this week at the launch of the KwaZulu Cruise Terminal (KCT), a R200-million project. The announcement was made by Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) chief executive, Richard Vallihu.
“Despite the pressures of the global economic climate on disposable incomes, the global luxury cruise sector remains one of the fastest growing segments in the tourism industry and has the potential to grow the economy and create jobs. The Durban cruise market had grown from 75 947 passengers, 10 years ago to 191 412 passengers last season. Already we have at least 20 international cruise liners operated by 14 cruise lines calling at South Africa’s ports,” he said.
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He said the preferred bidder, KwaZulu Cruise Terminal Pty Ltd (KCT), had put together an exciting concept and had the experience to deliver a facility that would be the jewel in the crown of the Port of Durban.
“It would be an asset within Durban’s ‘Smart People’s Port’ that would create more opportunities for surrounding communities to participate in the local economy. Ports are a catalyst for growth and through projects like this we begin to see government’s Operation Phakisa: Oceans Economy programme in action, which strives to unlock the economic potential of our oceans,” Vallihu explained.
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