New vessel to offer multiple services to the port of Cape Town

TNPA welcomes multi-purpose vessel to fleet

SOUTH AFRICA: Built at a cost of R120 million and due to take over more than just the pollution control functions of the vessel she is replacing in the Port of Cape Town, Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) welcomed their new multi-purpose catamaran this morning with a blessing and christening ceremony.

The latest acquisition bears the name, Yarona, which was chosen by a TNPA employee through an internal competition and means “Ours” in Setswana.

The new addition forms part of the port authority’s ongoing marine fleet renewal programme and will support maintenance activities as well as enhance environmental management including pollution control and oil spill response within the port. The vessel is designed to remove debris, conduct maintenance dredging and perform quay‑wall repairs. Additionally, it will assist in lighthouse maintenance and carry out upkeep tasks such as fender replacement and minor dredging activities.

Speaking at the function, Solly Letsoalo, Transnet Group Chief Operating Officer, acknowledged the challenges that Transnet has faced over the last few years and noted the State Owned Entity’s (SOE) commitment to stabilise operations and address inefficiencies.

“We have entered into our growth phase. We believe that we have hit the bottom and can only go up,” he said adding that the strategy was to position Transnet as an “agile, competitive and sustainable business that drives the economy”.

“We do constrain the economy when we do not perform, and when we do perform we open up opportunities for industries to move their goods in and out of the country.

“We are investing in modernising our fleet and infrastructure to ensure we meet the needs of our customers and the progress of the African economy. We are deliberate in ensuring our ports remain the gateway of trade that drive economic growth, job creation for our country,” he added.

Measuring 19.05 metres in length with a beam of 8.36 metres, this vessel features an all-welded steel hull and superstructure for enhanced durability in harsh harbour conditions. This translates into a quicker and effective response when called upon by port users to remove navigation hazards.

Highlighting the benefits of choosing an established design from Damen Shipyards, Sefale Montsi, Director of Damen Shipyards Cape Town, told guests that, as a proven design, the multi-purpose vessel is being used in ports across the globe.

“It has supported dredgers, it has towed, carried buoys, anchors, containers, and has carried out many other jobs in waters around the world. The design, a standard Damen design, ensures reliability, which has been confirmed in years of service in similar operations. It ensures predictable performance because these systems have been thoroughly tested,” she said, adding that the stock design would lower lifecycle costs.

“With fuel-efficient engines, advanced automation systems, and a versatile design, this vessel is built not just to today's demands, but it is adaptable to meet future requirements. It represents a perfect balance of manoeuvrability and stability for all work environments,” she added.

The project has had a significant impact on the local economy and, once operational, will employ three new crew members in addition to the two crew members on board the retiring pollution vessel that she replaces.

PHOTO: As the lady sponsor for the vessel, Captain Yael Wearley, Deputy Harbour Master successfully breaks the bottle of champagne across her bow.