Durban Cruise Terminal
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2022}}
{{Infobox building
| name = Durban Cruise Terminal
| native_name =
| native_name_lang =
| former_names = N-Shed Passenger Terminal
| alternate_names =
| structural_system = Cruise Terminal
| cost = US$15 Million+ (R200 Million+)
| owner = Kwa Zulu Cruise Terminals
| landlord =
| location_town = Point Waterfront, Durban
| location_country = {{flag|South Africa}}
| coordinates = {{coord|-29.8668|31.0246|display=inline,title}}
| map_type = South Africa
| start_date = May 2018
| completion_date = November 2021
| inauguration_date = December 2021
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| main_contractor = Kwa Zulu Cruise Terminals
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}}
The Durban Cruise Terminal is a new cruise ship terminal constructed in the South African city of Durban.{{Cite web|date=2018-04-17|title=New Durban Cruise Terminal Closer to Reality|url=https://www.maritimeprofessional.com/news/durban-cruise-terminal-closer-reality-316391|access-date=2021-06-22|website=Maritime Logistics Professional|language=en}}
Work on the terminal began in November 2019.{{Cite web|title=MSC Cruises begins construction of Durban cruise terminal|url=https://www.cruiseandferry.net/articles/msc-cruises-begins-construction-of-durban-cruise-terminal-1|access-date=2021-06-22|website=CruiseandFerry.net|language=en-GB}} The terminal was expected to be completed in 2020,{{cite news|last1=Majola|first1=Given|title=Durban's new R200m Cruise Terminal to boost tourism|language=en|work=IOL Business Report|url=https://www.iol.co.za/business-report/economy/durbans-new-r200m-cruise-terminal-to-boost-tourism-14476154|accessdate=17 October 2018}} however, due to the COVID-19 restrictions in South Africa, was only completed in 2021.{{Cite web|date=2021-12-06|title=Keep calm and cruise on, SA — but only if you’re vaccinated|url=https://www.timeslive.co.za/sunday-times/lifestyle/travel/2021-12-06-keep-calm-and-cruise-on-sa-but-only-if-youre-vaccinated/|access-date=2022-01-15|website=Times LIVE|language=en}} MSC Orchestra was the first cruise ship to sail from the new terminal.{{Cite web|date=2021-10-22|title=MSC Cruises to Lead Restart of South Africa’s Passenger Cruise Sector on 6 December|url=https://www.mscpressarea.com/en_INT/press-releases/4379|access-date=2022-01-15|website=MSC Press Area|language=en}}
Business structure
After two unsuccessful bids, Kwa Zulu Cruise Terminals (KCT) – a joint venture between MSC Cruises SA and Africa Armada Consortium – won the bid in May 2017.{{Cite web|url=https://northglennews.co.za/110247/r200-million-cruise-terminal-upgrade-durban/|title=R200-million cruise terminal upgrade for Durban|date=June 2, 2017}}
The winning bidders have a 25-year concession on the site.{{cite news |last1=Mthethwa |first1=Bongani |title=Durban set for R100-million cruise terminal upgrade |url=https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2017-05-30-durban-set-for-r100-million-cruise-terminal-upgrade/ |accessdate=17 October 2018 |agency=TimesLIVE |date=30 May 2017}}
MSC Opera (Lirica Class) will homeport in Cape Town and MSC Musica (Musica Class) in Durban. This will mark the first time that two different classes of MSC Cruises’ ships will be deployed in South Africa simultaneously.{{Cite web|date=2019-11-25|title=Construction of new Durban cruise terminal "will substantially boost tourism numbers"|url=https://www.moodiedavittreport.com/construction-of-new-durban-cruise-terminal-will-substantially-boost-tourism-numbers/|access-date=2021-06-22|website=The Moodie Davitt Report|language=en-GB}}
The construction project
The project will cost an estimated R200 million and the building will measure 4,500sqm.
The terminal will include:
- A customs office
- Parking spaces for 200 vehicles including up to 12 buses
- A retail area
- Multipurpose training, conferencing and events facilities
- Separate screening and temporary holding areas
- A Police Station
- Various government offices {{cite web |url=http://www.engineeringnews.co.za/article/preferred-bidder-for-r215m-durban-cruise-terminal-finally-selected-2017-05-30 |title=Preferred bidder for R215m Durban cruise terminal finally selected |date=30 May 2017 |first=Shirley |last=le Guern |website=www.engineeringnews.co.za}}
During the COVID-19 pandemic
In February 2021, due to lockdown rules imposed during the Coronavirus pandemic, MSC cancelled its South African sailing season. Passengers with tickets booked were offered vouchers for the next sailing season.{{Cite web|date=2021-02-18|title=MSC local cruise season cancelled|url=https://www.travelnews.co.za/article/msc-local-cruise-season-cancelled|access-date=2021-06-22|website=Travel News|language=en}} The ships were scheduled to set sail again in November 2021 at the earliest.{{Cite web|title=Giant cruise ship operator MSC has given up on South Africa until at least November|url=https://www.businessinsider.co.za/msc-cruises-has-cancelled-the-rest-of-its-sailing-season-out-of-south-africa-despite-recent-hopes-2021-2|access-date=2021-06-22|website=BusinessInsider}}