Advertisement

Fourth New South African Tug named

Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) is on track with its R1.4 billion tug building contract and on 20 September 2016 celebrated the launch of the fourth of its nine new tugs being built in Durban.

The tug, Osprey, will serve at the Port of Saldanha. The duty of officially naming the vessel was carried out by Lady Sponsor, Thandeka Mabija, who earlier this month was appointed General Manager for Human Resources at TNPA.

TNPA Chief Operating Officer, Phyllis Difeto, said: ‘The work by Durban ship builder, Southern African Shipyards, on this project has helped to cement the marine ship building and support industry locally. Having a local manufacturer also promises excellent after-sales support for the 35-year service life of these vessels. Local ship building expertise is exactly what the government’s Operation Phakisa initiatives aim to leverage in unlocking the potential of the Ocean Economy.’

This is the largest single contract TNPA has ever awarded to a South African company for the building of harbour craft. Nine new tugs are being built over three and a half years, as part of a wider fleet replacement programme that covers tugs, new dredging vessels and new marine aviation helicopters.

The programme, aimed at improving operational efficiency in the ports, comes within TNPA’s R56 billion contribution to Transnet’s R300 billion-plus Market Demand Strategy. Five tugs are under construction simultaneously at any given time due to the project’s tight deadlines.

To date two tugs – Mvezo and Qunu – have been delivered to the Port of Port Elizabeth. Saldanha took delivery of Cormorant in August and Opey will be delivered in December, followed by the port’s third tug next year. The Ports of Durban and Richards Bay will also receive two new tugs.

Ships Montly - January 2024

Hapag-Lloyd newbuilds get enhanced equipment

MacGregor has secured an order from Hapag-Lloyd for its fully automatic twistlocks (ACV-1) “Hippo”, designed to improve cargo handling efficiency. Twistlocks are used to...
Advertisement

Related articles

Hapag-Lloyd newbuilds get enhanced equipment

MacGregor has secured an order from Hapag-Lloyd for its fully automatic twistlocks (ACV-1) “Hippo”, designed to improve cargo...

Lerwick initiates major dredging project

Lerwick Port Authority has initiated an ambitious two-phase infrastructure project aimed at significantly enhancing its deep-water capabilities to...

Damen signs with Port Marlborough New Zealand for ASD Tug 2312

Damen Shipyards Group has signed a contract with Port Marlborough New Zealand (PMNZ) for the delivery of an...

Spirit of Tasmania IV leaves the Port of Leith

The roll-on/roll-off passenger ferry Spirit of Tasmania IV departed the Port of Leith on 30 June 2025 and...