Dube Trade Port, KwaZulu-Natal's premier trade and logistics hub, is experiencing a significant surge in trade volume, marking a remarkable achievement for the region. Since 2021, the port has seen a 30% increase in volumes year-on-year, driven by the resumption of air services and the robust economic recovery in KwaZulu-Natal. According to Hamish Erskine, CEO of Dube TradePort Special Economic Zone, the trade volume growth directly ref lects the region's resilience and determination to bounce back from the challenges posed by the global pandemic. With the gradual resumption of air services, Dube Trade Port has seized the opportunity to strengthen its airfreight capacity, revitalising the f low of goods and boosting regional trade. Ongoing development into the precinct at large has also played a role."We have been working on developing our light industrial zone," said Erskine. "All the bulk infrastructure, including the installation of fibre optic lines, is in place throughout all the sites in the 46-hectare precinct. At this stage, we have four investments under construction, the most advanced being a diaper manufacturer which has built a 6 300sqm facility on a 10 000sqm site. They are expected to open their doors as soon as the electrical connection is completed, including the commissioning of their equipment."The trade port is also nearing completion of all the bulk infrastructure installation in the second phase of the Dube AgriZone precinct. "We are undertaking a study exploring the feasibility and commissioning of a 5MW solar farm. This would form an expansion to the first phase of the precinct, where we already have several solar arrays installed, currently generating circa 1MW of power which is helping to offset the operational costs of our tenants on-site."Erskine said on the commercial property side of things, they had commenced the development of a 13 000sqm GLA seven-storey mixed-use building in the Dube City precinct, which will stand adjacent to the current head office."From a cargo perspective, we have noted that Durban's air cargo has recovered by some 56% owing to the return of both international and domestic airlines, which has seen a 70% rebound in network traffic at King Shaka International Airport. This has directly impacted Dube TradePort Cargo Terminal's cargo volume growth. It processed 13 146 tonnes of cargo in the 2022/23 financial year, showing an increase of 30% from the previous ye a r."Erskine said ongoing investment into critical infrastructure at the airport and surrounding area continued to drive the value proposition of Dube."Dube TradePort has been – We are undertaking a study exploring the feasibility and commissioning of a 5MW solar farm.– Hamish Erskine“Hamish ErskineDube Cargo Terminal.and is – a catalyst for economic development, and therefore, it will continue to play a role in opening space for new developments in the region. Among the key projects the organisation will lead over the next ten years is the Durban Aerotropolis, which will see several new infrastructure projects getting off the ground, creating opportunities for more residential, commercial and multi-use developments that will strengthen economic activity in the northern corridor."One of the largest privately led developments in the area is Whetstone Business Park, a mixed-use development located adjacent to the Dube Trade Port Special Economic Zone and the King Shaka International Airport. At 800 000sqm in size and a total area of 450 677sqm of serviced platforms, it is expected to significantly boost the light industrial and warehousing capacity available in the region.
