Mooring systems delivered to reduce port delays
Six units delivered to the ports of Cape Town and Ngqura
SOUTH AFRICA: Transnet National Ports Authority has taken delivery of six more hydraulic shore tension units which are due to be installed in the ports of Cape Town and Ngqura, bringing to 12 of the 52 units ordered in September last year.
The full order is scheduled to be delivered by early next year. The Port of Cape Town has an allocation of 16 units, with 14 more destined for Durban, eight for the Port of Port Elizabeth, six for the Port of Ngqura, four for Saldanha Bay and four for the Port of Richards Bay.
The latest delivery will assist with cargo handling operations in Cape Town and Ngqura where activities are often impacted by strong winds reaching 35 to 50 knots and high sea swells exceeding 3.5 metres.
Such inclement weather conditions cause operational and safety disruptions leading to delays in vessel movements. These hydraulic tension mooring units ensure the safety of docked vessels by mitigating the severity of long-wave effects on vessels. The benefits include minimised downtime and safety incidents during operations.
Commenting on the delivery as one of the shipping lines that are benefiting from the installed shore tensions, National Operations Manager at CMA CGM South Africa, Leon Reddy,
said: “The introduction of the shore tension units at the Port of Cape Town has significantly improved our vessel operations. With the ability to keep our vessels stable and secure alongside the berth, we have seen a notable reduction in vessel movement and ranging.
“This has resulted in increased container productivity and reduced port stay times, leading to improved overall efficiency and reduced costs. We support TNPA's initiative to invest in additional shore tension units and look forward to continued cooperation to enhance port operations."
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