Two new launch boats for the Port of Cape Town

TNPA christens new vessels in Durban

The acquisition of the new vessels forms part of TNPA’s ongoing efforts to improve port efficiencies and is part of the marine fleet renewal programme. The two newly christened vessels will take up position in the Port of Cape Town.

After issuing the tender for the vessels in 2021, the contract to build the vessels got underway in November 2022 when the R58 million contract to construct and deliver the launch vessels was awarded to the Durban-based yard.

The tender documents called for a modern single-screw steel harbour launch with an overall length of 13m, a beam of 5 m and a draught of 1.6m.

In her delivery of a keynote address at the Christening Ceremony, TNPA Acting Port Manager for Cape Town, Ophelia Shabane said, “The arrival of these new crafts comes at an opportune time when TNPA is executing the Transnet Recovery Plan, through the acquisition of fit-for-purpose marine fleet to improve operational efficiencies. This also aligns with our commitment to meeting industry demands in the western region.”

The delivery of the new launch boats replaces the existing two launches that are over 40-years old and have reached operational and design lifespan.

“We welcome an opportunity to assist TNPA with the replenishment of its marine fleet under the TNPA Marine Fleet Renewal programme and Transnet Recovery Plan. SAS continues to play a pivotal role in the engineering and manufacturing of multiple purpose vessels for TNPA, many of which still provide a critical service to ports around the country” said Prasheen Maharaj Chief Executive Officer of Sandock Austral Shipyards.

The design of the launch boats is in accordance with the rules of Bureau Veritas Class notation and SAMSA requirements for this type of vessel.

SAS, a fully accredited ship building and ship repair facility holding various ISO accreditations undertook a large part of the manufacturing work with support from our specialist service providers.

The project has generated the creation of approximately 70 direct jobs and 40 indirect jobs through the SAS contractors. It has also supported the practical on-the-job training of 20 apprentices who gained an invaluable opportunity to apply newly acquired theoretical skills from the classroom training acquired within the SAS accredited in-house Apprentice Learning and Development Centre.