Largest vessel in over a decade docks at Durban's Prince Edward Graving Dock

The crude oil tanker Troy, the largest ship to use Durban's Prince Edward Graving Dock in more than ten years, arrived on 30 July 2026, highlighting the port's ongoing modernisation and increased traffic from Red Sea diversions.

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The Port of Durban's Prince Edward Graving Dock, which first opened in 1924, welcomed its biggest vessel in over a decade on 30 July 2026. The crude oil tanker Troy, flying the Marshall Islands flag, has a length of 228 metres, a beam of 32.2 metres and a deadweight tonnage of 73,180. It will stay in the dock for ten days to undergo maintenance, repairs and statutory inspections.

The arrival follows a modernisation programme by Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) that cost R200 million, roughly US$12 million. The work included the installation of seven new capstans. TNPA also has plans to build a new graving dock and a ship lift at Durban.

Durban Port Manager Mpumi Dweba-Kwetana emphasised the broader value of such dockings. "Every vessel entering Prince Edward Graving Dock is more than a maintenance project. It supports specialised maritime skills, creates jobs, strengthens local industries and reinforces Durban's reputation as a preferred ship repair destination," she said.

The port has also seen significant efficiency gains. Ship turnaround time has dropped to 58 hours in 2026, compared with 74 hours earlier in the same year and 103 hours two years ago. Waiting time in anchorage fell from 127 hours in the 2023/2024 period to 79 hours in 2025/2026. These improvements come as many vessels continue to avoid the Red Sea and sail around Africa, boosting traffic at Durban.