Container gateway · South Africa
Port of Durban
Durban is a container gateway on the Indian Ocean in South Africa (Southern Africa). Below: key facts, how it connects with Vietnam and what to prepare when shipping through it.
Key facts
- Country / territory
- South Africa
- UN/LOCODE
- ZADUR
- Port type
- Container gateway
- Region
- Southern Africa
- Waters
- Indian Ocean
- Coordinates
- 29.87°S, 31.03°E
- Container throughput
- No verified figure published here
- Sea distance from Vietnam
- approx. 5,540 nm
About the port of Durban
Durban is the busiest container port in sub-Saharan Africa and South Africa’s main gateway to Johannesburg and the interior.
Durban is a container gateway: most boxes handled are imports and exports for its own hinterland, carried on mainline and regional services.
Role in trade with Vietnam
Southern Africa is served by Asia–Africa services sailing across the Indian Ocean; Durban is the main gateway, with feeder connections onwards.
Sea routes and transit times from Vietnam
Estimated port-to-port distances and transit times on typical routings. Actual schedules depend on the service and its port rotation.
| Route | Distance | Transit (direct) |
|---|---|---|
| Cai Mep – Thi Vai → Durban | 5,540 | 15–18 days |
Shipping lines
Most global carriers and regional lines serve this region. We check current services and space for your shipment when quoting. All shipping lines →
Customs and documentation tips
- Make sure the commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading and customs declaration show consistent descriptions, HS codes, quantities and weights.
- Agree the Incoterms® rule and who arranges freight, insurance and destination charges before booking.
- Choose the bill of lading type (original, telex release or sea waybill) according to the payment terms with your buyer or supplier.
- Declare the verified gross mass (VGM) of each container before the carrier’s cut-off, as required by SOLAS.
- Check destination import requirements early: licences, product standards, labelling, fumigation or phytosanitary certificates where applicable.
Frequently asked questions about Durban
Where is the port of Durban?
Durban is in South Africa, on the Indian Ocean, in the Southern Africa shipping region.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Durban?
The UN/LOCODE commonly used for Durban is ZADUR. Check the exact terminal or location code required by the carrier when booking.
How long does sea freight take from Vietnam to Durban?
On a typical routing from Cai Mep – Thi Vai, the sea distance is about 5,540 nautical miles and a direct service takes roughly 15–18 days port to port. Services with transshipment take longer.
What documents are needed to ship via Durban?
Usually a commercial invoice, packing list and bill of lading, plus any certificates required by the destination (origin, phytosanitary, fumigation, licences). Advance cargo filings may apply before loading.
Can Global Logistic Group arrange shipping to or from Durban?
Yes. We arrange FCL and LCL ocean freight, customs clearance and inland transport for Durban through our carrier contracts and agent network. Send us your cargo details for a quote.
Information on this page is general guidance compiled by Global Logistic Group from public sources. Port facilities, carrier networks, routings and transit times change frequently; always confirm current schedules, cut-offs and requirements with us or the carrier before booking. Data as of October 2026.