A FEASIBILITY study has recommended the construction of a R581-million container quay on the West bank at the present entrance to the port of East London. The proposed 15,2 hectare expansion will treble the harbour’s container capacity, from its present maximum of 110 000 standard containers a year to 305 000 containers and will provide a 14,5 metre draft at the berth. This was announced at an East London Industrial Development Zone workshop and exhibition attended by over 270 delegates from around the world. Dirk Botes, trade and logistics manager of the National Ports Authority, told the conference that the present container facilities on the east bank of the Buffalo River would not be suitable for the expected increase in volumes from the Industrial Development Zone (IDZ), which lies on the west bank of the harbour. The proposed expansion would take 48 months to complete and would not affect port operations during construction. East London IDZ ceo Peter Miles said the feasibility study had been done at the request of public works minister Jeff Radebe. It included research into the need to upgrade rail links between East London and the Reef. A fully electrified rail link between the two centres is needed to turn East London harbour into the hub for automotive exports and imports, he said.