East London waterfront upgrade positions port for future small-ship cruise calls

South Africa’s Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) has broken ground on the R147 million redevelopment of Latimer’s Landing at the Port of East London, strengthening the city’s appeal as a potential stop for small-ship and expedition cruise operators.

The revitalisation of the ageing quay structure marks a significant step towards the long-planned Latimer’s Landing waterfront development, which TNPA considers an important catalyst for tourism growth and wider economic activity in the Eastern Cape. 

Although the port is not currently a regular cruise destination, the upgraded facility will create a more accessible, visitor-friendly precinct that aligns with the growing interest in secondary and niche ports along the South African coastline.

East London was visited in November by SH Diana on her 15-day cruise from Mombasa, Kenya to Cape Town, South Africa, reflecting the city’s emerging profile.

Originally designed for marine operational use, Latimer’s Landing has evolved over the years into a public recreation area used for local tourism and leisure. The reconstruction project will replace the existing quay structure and support plans for new restaurants, leisure outlets, tourism services, and related commercial activity aimed at attracting greater footfall to the area. 

TNPA said the investment will also support its broader strategy of diversifying port activities, including positioning selected ports for tourism and leisure markets. Beyond its potential use by small and expedition cruise ships, the area will also enhance East London’s standing as a cruise destination, giving passengers a greater diversity of shoreside experiences.

“This milestone comes at a time when the business is focused on growing and stabilising itself through Transnet’s Reinvent for Growth Strategy,” said Phyllis Difeto, Acting Chief Executive, TNPA. “This development charts a new course for the Eastern Cape economy by supporting value-adding industries.” 

“The investment aligns with the positioning of the port for the tourism sector, a TNPA strategic objective aimed at expanding the port’s service offering by integrating with the leisure market,” she added.

The enhanced waterfront is expected to make East London more viable for future calls by boutique and expedition operators, which typically require a walkable quayside environment rather than large-scale terminal infrastructure. 

Similar ports along the South African coast have already seen rising interest from operators undertaking coastal voyages or repositioning itineraries.

Economic benefits from the construction phase are already being felt. As of October 2025, the project had created 44 jobs for local residents, with approximately 55 employment opportunities expected over the full 24-month construction period. 

The appointed contractor, Stefanutti Stocks, has also committed to working with Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) to support additional local procurement and business participation.

The project is scheduled for completion in April 2027, after which the precinct will form a central element of East London’s waterfront regeneration strategy. 

While TNPA has not announced any dedicated cruise infrastructure plans, the upgraded Latimer’s Landing is expected to strengthen the port’s tourism offering and broaden its appeal to operators exploring new options along the country’s east coast.