TRANSNET National Ports Authority (TNPA) is injecting a R1-billion investment in its marine fleet renewal programme through the acquisition of seven tugboats aimed at enhancing marine operations at its commercial seaports.
“The seven tugboats will replace marine craft that has reached its operational lifespan at the ports of Durban [in KwaZulu-Natal] and East London [in the Eastern Cape]. TNPA has awarded two contracts to a shipbuilding company, Damen Shipyards Cape Town, to deliver the seven tugboats from April to August 2024,” Transnet said.
From this procured tug fleet, the Port of Durban has been allocated five tugboats and two will go to the Port of East London.
“This investment demonstrates TNPA’s ongoing commitment in providing reliable marine craft at our South African ports, which will enable us to effectively service the marine industry and respond to global shipping demands,” TNPA Chief Harbour Master, Captain Rufus Lekala said.
The procured tugboats boast the latest hull design and propulsion, as well as a 60 ton bollard pull, which is a much-needed improvement from the bollard pull of the existing tugboats that will be replaced that ranges between 32 and 40 ton bollard pull.
“The 60 ton pollard pull meets international standards and makes the craft highly manoeuvrable while guiding larger and newer vessels safely in and out of the ports.
“TNPA’s marine fleet programme demonstrates a reimagined focus in ensuring that the Ports Authority delivers on its mandate of providing a competitive port system in its role as an enabler of economic growth,” Transnet said.
The acquisition of the tugs are part of Transnet’s efforts to improve the performance of its port operations.
This latest deal follows Damen delivering the state-of-the-art plough tug, Mohoma to TNPA in May 2023.
“We are honoured to deliver this state-of-the-art plough tug to TNPA. This vessel has 45 tons of bollard pull, is 32m long and 9m wide, and can plough up to 25m deep. With a spacious working deck, this versatile workboat will serve as an asset for TNPA’s ports and dredging operations. It showcases the Damen Group’s design knowledge, the skill of our South African Shipbuilding team and our first-class local equipment manufacturers and co-makers,” Sefale Montsi, director of Damen Shipyards Cape Town said at the time.
Dr Popo Molefe, chairperson of the Transnet board of directors said of Mohoma . “The demand for dredging services has increased in the region, and the addition of this plough tug will increase the berth capacity of the ports. Managing the demand is part of TNPA’s growth plan, which will see the continuous improvement of port infrastructure.
Source: https://www.sanews.gov.za/
