State-owned Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) has taken delivery of the first four tugboats to boost marine fleet availability and shipping efficiencies at the ports of Durban and East London.
The arrival of the tugboats brings TNPA a step closer towards the execution of its marine fleet renewal programme, which entails replacing its marine fleet with the latest technology to extend the lifespan of marine assets.
The move is also part of the implementation of the Transnet-wide recovery plan, which has a core focus on the improved availability and reliability of critical equipment.
This delivery is the first part of TNPA’s R1-billion investment in acquiring seven tugboats. These tugs will replace marine craft that have reached their operational lifespan. With the latest delivery, the Port of Durban has been allocated two tugs with the Port of East London receiving the other two.
The tugboats, built by Damen Shipyards Cape Town, have a 60 t bollard pull, which is an improvement from the current 32 t and 40 t bollard pull capacity of the existing tugboats.
The fleet has docked at the Port of Durban’s drydock and will undergo various technical tests for three weeks. Upon completion, TNPA will hold a ceremony to launch, name and christen the tugboats.
The phased delivery of the remaining three tugs will be completed by August.