Secona Container Depot: Comprehensive Container Services in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal

Secona Container Depot operates as a seasoned player in Durban’s container logistics sector, offering a suite of services designed to support the flow of goods for various shipping lines. Established in 2003, the company positions itself as a total logistics solution provider with core capabilities centred on storage, handling, and container maintenance and repairs. These activities are supported by strategic depots in Durban, each purpose-built to handle significant container volume while maintaining secure, access-controlled premises.

Two key depots anchor Secona’s Durban operations. One site on 30 Marajh Road, Clairwood, provides a container park of around 10,000 square metres and a capacity to handle approximately 1,400 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU). A second depot at 623 Bellair Road, Cato Manor, spans about 12,000 square metres and can manage roughly 1,800 TEU. Both facilities are described as fully walled and gated, with hardened surfaces and 24‑hour security, emphasising safety and reliable access for clients and their cargo. The proximity to the Durban Container Terminal and the new Khangela Bridge is highlighted as a logistical advantage, helping to mitigate harbour congestion and facilitate efficient turnarounds.

Operational capacity at Secona is supported by a diverse fleet of handling equipment designed to manage containers across a range of sizes and weights. The equipment roster includes forklifts and side-lifter units, with capacities spanning 8 to 16 tons and a dedicated 45-ton reach stacker. These assets enable the company to execute routine handling tasks such as receiving, stacking, and dispatching containers with a focus on accuracy and productivity. The emphasis on professional, certified drivers for equipment operation further underlines a commitment to safety and standardised practice across movements.

Beyond storage and handling, Secona places a clear emphasis on container maintenance and repairs. Regular inspections and timely repairs are described as integral to keeping containers in good condition for longer use. This service aims to reduce downtime and maintain the usability of units in line with industry standards, with servicing likely aligned to IICL (International Institute of Containerised Cargo Handling) benchmarks as referenced in the broader About section. The combination of repair capability and tracking systems contributes to a more reliable end-to-end container experience for customers.

A standout feature of Secona’s offering is its integrated approach to logistics. The company promotes a total logistics solution that includes a fully integrated railway component, operated in partnership with Transnet Freight Rail. This hub-and-spoke network links Durban with other major ports and cities such as Johannesburg, Pretoria, and Cape Town. Goods such as malt, wheat, salt, and sugar are cited as examples of commodities moved by rail, with tracking and trace capabilities enabling ongoing visibility for clients. This rail component complements dockside activities, broadening Secona’s capacity to support broader supply chains.

Container tracking and information flow are described as an important part of Secona’s service delivery. The use of a dedicated tracking system for inward and outward movements, status changes, and stock reporting provides clients with regular updates via fax, e‑mail, or Electronic Data Interchange (EDI). Such transparency helps customers coordinate arrivals, pickups, and downstream distribution with greater confidence, reducing operational guesswork and enhancing planning accuracy.

Typical engagement with Secona appears to centre on three main service streams: container handling for rapid order processing and material flow, maintenance and repairs to keep equipment in good condition, and the sale of containers when new units are required. By offering storage capacity, depots in convenient Durban locations, and a close integration with rail logistics, Secona presents itself as a one-stop solution for businesses seeking reliable container management and efficient movement of goods.

Practical tips for customers planning to work with Secona include confirming preferred depot location based on proximity to the Durban Container Terminal, and outlining expected TEU volumes to optimise berth-side planning and yard utilisation. If tracking is essential, request regular updates through the preferred communication channel, whether email, fax, or EDI. For clients relying on rail connections, synchronise schedules with the hub-and-spoke rail service to minimise dwell times and leverage the security of fully fenced facilities. Businesses should also be mindful of the operational emphasis on professional handling and certified personnel to ensure safe movements of containers and equipment.

Secona serves the greater Durban area and its surrounding logistics network, with a clear focus on reliability, safety, and integrated multimodal solutions. The combination of strategically located depots, a robust handling fleet, repair services, and a dedicated tracking framework positions Secona as a credible option for firms seeking dependable container storage, movement, and support within KwaZulu-Natal and beyond.