Road, rail, port and airport networks
Linked by modern road, rail and air networks, Buffalo City is equidistant to major South African market centres such as Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban - as well as all major export markets.
Road
The coastal national N2 road extends along the coast from Cape Town through Buffalo City to Durban, while the N6 extends through the Eastern Cape interior to Bloemfontein linking with the N1 to Johannesburg.
Port
Buffalo City is strategically positioned on Africa's south-eastern seaboard and is able to service markets with sea freight to the East and West through scheduled shipments to Australia, Africa, Asia and Europe. The coastal location creates a logistical advantage on the basis of both cost and ease of doing business.
Buffalo City's port is a deep water port and the only river port in South Africa. It is situated at the mouth of Buffalo River adjoining the Indian Ocean. The East London port is one of the most efficient in the country and offers services comparative to a best practive global port which is ISPS (maritime security regualtions) and ISO 9011 compliant. Services include:
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Docking on arrival
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Available capacity for increased port movements
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Quick turnaround time (removal of containers on the same day)
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Flexible and efficient harbour services
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Competitive tariffs
Airport
The city's airport, only two kilometres from the East London IDZ and currently undergoing further development, handles domestic flights to Port Elizabeth, Durban, Cape Town and Johannesburg in South Africa. International airfreight is easily accommodated, with routing via OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg.
Rail
The rail network links the city to all major centres and recent rehabilitation of the Mthatha rail line is part of the local government initiative to upgrade the rail links in the region.
Further information
