DURBAN'S NEW GRAVING DOCK.

Evening Post, Volume CX, Issue 52, 29 August 1925, Page 24

DURBAN'S NEW GRAVING DOCK.

One of the most memorable functions performed by the Prince of Wales during his visit to South Africa was the opening of the now graving dock at Consella, a portion of the port of Durban. The construction of this dock was projected before the war, and work upon it has been proceeding 'for a number of years past. II is situated about 4£ miles from the harbour entrance and will accommodate ships of the largest dimensions. Its total length is 1166 ft 4in, and its effective length" 1150 ft. The width at tne floor .is 110 ft and at the coping 138 ft 6in. The depth on the outer sill "is low water' ordinary spring tidie is 35ft, and the rise of the tide being 6ft, the maximum depth on the sill is 41ft. An inner caisson enables the dock to be divided into two compartments when required, the outer being 678 ft lOin and the inner 50ft in length. The dock is thus one of tho largest of its kind in the world, being second to that at Boston,. U.S.A., and its equipment is of the most' modern type. From its situation, says the "Shipping World," Durban appears destined to be the leading port of South Africa, and being the nearest and alsb the natural outlet for the extensive coalfields of Natal its export and bunkering trade is already very considerable. Further improvements of tho port are in course of execution. The dock will now bear the name of the Prince and will constitute one of the most enduring monuments of his memorable visit to the Dominion.