Cato Ridge Dry Port, the Strategic Integrated Project (SIP) 2, which involves the development of the Durban-Free-State-Gauteng logistics and industrial corridor, is undoubtedly the most prominent and critical SIP for the province of KwaZulu-Natal.The Presidential Infrastructure Coordinating Commission adopted 18 SIPs in 2015 which form the backbone of the South African National Infrastructure Development Plan.The key objective of SIP 2 is to strengthen the logistics and transport corridor between the country’s main industrial hubs, while at the same time improving access to and efficiencies of the export and import facilities in the Port of Durban.SIP 2 will also raise transportation and logistics efficiency along the Durban-Gauteng corridor, integrating the currently disconnected industrial and logistics activities. It will also play an important role in promoting rural production centres surrounding the corridor that are currently isolated from the main logistics system.One of the key projects of SIP 2 is the Cato Ridge Dry Port, thanks to its projected and significant potential to raise efficiency along the corridor.Not only would this facility reduce congestion at the Port of Durban for all east/westbound freight, but it would also strengthen the logistics and transport corridor between South Africa’s main industrial hubs.An important part of the plan is the facilitation of improved rail efficiencies.
