[3] It is the fourth largest container terminal in the Southern Hemisphere, handling approximately 4.5 million TEU in 2019.

[6] However, the maximum capacity of container ships calling at the port increased by 14.5 percent during the same time period.

[9] Many other cruise ships pass through Durban every year, including some of the world's biggest, such as the RMS Queen Mary 2.

In 2012 a decision was made to renovate and expand the facilities back up to a full naval base to accommodate the South African Navy's offshore patrol flotilla.

[14] The plan has been criticized by labour unions over not being consulted on the construction contracts, and warned that the government's intention to partner with the private sector to complete the expansion could lead to job losses for a highly indebted state-owned company.