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Durban Port History With Facts And Information

Durban port dates back to 1824 when the first European settlers made a landing with the intention of setting up a trading post. The Bay of Natal or Durban Bay was one of the few natural harbors along the east coast of southern Africa between Algoa Bay and Delagoa Bay.

With the appointment of the first harbor master in 1840, Durban became the official port of entry and went on to rapidly become Africa's busiest general cargo port. It is largest and busiest container terminals in the Southern Hemisphere.

Durban Bay also served a different kind of purpose in the 1930s until late in the 1950s when it was used as a base for flying boats. Imperial Airways made Durban the terminus for their commercial air route between South Africa and Europe. World War II saw Short Sunderlands and Catalina flying boats undertaking reconnaissance duties.

The port of Durban performs a critical role within the city of Durban as an employer of people. It services its own industrial and commercial region as well as much of South Africa's hinterland and a significant amount of traffic for neighboring countries.