Transnet Group board chairperson, Andile Sangqu, speaking at the christening ceremony of two tugboats delivered at the Port of East London. Picture: Supplied/GCIS
The Port of East London has received two tugboats, marking the completion of Transnet National Ports Authority’s (TNPA) R1 billion investment towards the Marine Fleet Renewal Programme aimed at boosting tugboat availability and enhancing shipping operations.
The two tugs are in addition to five tugs which were delivered at the Port of Durban last month.
TNPA’s Marine Fleet Renewal Programme, which is a key element of the Transnet Recovery Plan, is critical in driving shipping efficiencies and reliability, whilst positioning the ports as competitive and a catalyst for economic growth.
Tugs are designed to provide marine services including safe navigation of vessels, pilotage, towage and waterside pollution combat.
The two tugboats (tugs), delivered by Damen Shipyards Cape Town, comprising modern technology solutions are built with an azimuth stern drive and have an improved pollard pull of 60-tons, compared to the 43-tons 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,” said Transnet board chairperson, Andile Sangqu.
“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.”
BUSINESS REPORT