City Helps Set Up Forum For Port Players

30 June, 2008

Durban’s maritime industry has a powerful new voice. The Municipality’s Economic Development Department recently spearheaded the formation of a maritime cluster and held the first of a series of workshops to guage the views of industry leaders.

Members of the cluster will work together and share views, plans and experiences for the benefit of the industry. “As the city with the largest port in South Africa, the maritime sector probably encompasses the most significant economic cluster in the local economy,” said Trivi Arjunan, the department’s Manager: Sector Development. The cluster includes shipping, boating, cargo handling, storage, transport and logistics. Support services, such as ship repairs, communication, pilotage, customs clearing, inspection services, and marine insurance are also covered.

“The country is heavily dependent on international trade and it is critical that Durban’s port is recognized as an international trade gateway. The maritime cluster will ensure that this sector consistently operates at the better end of international standards,” Arjunan said. The department’s Acting Head, Shunnon Tulsiram, said: “The development and operations of the port and city are interrelated. To date, port planning and city planning have been undertaken in isolation of each other.

“To achieve a common vision for the sustainable development of the port and city in the future, and to ensure their successful coexistence, joint planning is essential,” Tulsiram said.

The department has also launched a blog where all maritime-related issues can be discussed and commented on.

 

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