Two tugs for river port marks ongoing investment in East London
Port of East London christens two tugs
SOUTH AFRICA: Following on the delivery of five new tugs for the Port of Durban last month, Transnet National Ports Authority celebrated the arrival of a further two tugs for the Port of East London.
This marks the completion of the authority’s R1 billion marine fleet renewal programme aimed at boosting tugboat availability and enhancing shipping operations.
The two tugboats (tugs) delivered by Damen Shipyards Cape Town replace the existing tug fleet that has reached its operational lifespan in the port. The latest tugs comprising of the modern technology solutions are built with an azimuth stern drive and have an improved pollard pull of 60-tonnes compared to the 43-tonnes bollard pull on the existing tugs.
The procurement of the tugs serves as a catalyst for the Port of East London’s expansion plan. The plan includes the deepening and strengthening of the port’s automotive berth to address berthing challenges.
The project hit a significant milestone in November 2023 with the commencement of the concrete works package. Once completed, the port will be able to simultaneously berth two larger vessels with a ripple effect on increased volume throughput, a welcomed development for the port and the Eastern Cape province.
Also included in the river port’s expansion plan is the delivery of two Jib Cranes for the port's dry dock facility, which will increase the ship repair facility’s capacity and volume throughput in the 2024/25 financial year. The advanced features of the two new tugs will enable the port to respond to the anticipated shipping and volume demands.
“The journey towards the full recovery of Transnet lies in our commitment to growth and investing in fit-for-purpose equipment. This acquisition is a crucial investment towards creating a sustainable port system and will enable the execution of strategic projects currently underway at the Port of East London,” said Transnet Board Chairperson, Andile Sangqu during the tug naming and christening ceremony held at the Port of East London.
At the Christening Ceremony, tug Lentswe meaning the voice of sailors was unveiled by Transnet Board Member, Boitumelo Sedupane in her role as the tug’s Lady Sponsor, while tug Kganya “light”, symbolising guidance in safe navigation of vessels, was revealed and christened by TNPA Board Member Valda Gossman.
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