The R2,65 billion deep water Port of Ngqura, now a year into its construction, should be ready when the first ships are set to dock in September next year.

Ships which will be able to use the port could include the giant new generation containers.

A spokesperson for the National Ports Authority said that dredging had started and that the container quay was almost halfway complete.

The western breakwater now stretched 950 metres into the sea and had only another 350 metres to complete. The eastern breakwater, which is 1200 metres already, had another 1400 metres to go.

Other progress included two of the five caissons being completed. The main pump station for the sand bypass was nearly finished. However, a temporary sand platform for the construction of the jetty was taking some time. Of the 26 000 dolosses needed, 9000 had been cast with 6 000 already in the water.

Eastern reclamation was complete with the western and outer basin reclamation about 90 per cent complete.

The depth of water provided and the protected environment of Algoa Bay made Ngqura one of the best locations for a harbour on the South Africa coast.