By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Port of East London has received two new tugboats, completing Transnet National Ports Authority’s (TNPA) R1bn Marine Fleet Renewal Programme.
This investment aims to improve tugboat availability and enhance shipping operations, supporting efficiency and growth at the port.
The tugboats are designed to provide marine services including the safe navigation of vessels, pilotage, towage and waterside pollution combat.
The two tugs delivered by Damen Shipyards Cape Town (DSCT) replace the existing tug fleet that has reached its operational lifespan at the Port of East London in the Eastern Cape.
The latest tugs comprising modern technology solutions are built with an azimuth stern drive and have an improved bollard 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’s expansion plan.
The plan also 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.
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.
Strategic projects
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 who spoke during the tug naming and christening ceremony held at the port.
“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,” Sangqu said.
Recovery Plan
Sangqu said Transnet is currently executing a number of actionable steps to halt the decline in operational and financial performance through the Transnet Recovery Plan launched in October 2023.
“The Recovery Plan directs us to prioritise revitalising our ageing marine assets in order to improve operational efficiency and serve our customers better. Investing in port infrastructure to drive efficiency and reliability is a catalyst for improved economic competitiveness.
“Ports are the lifeblood of trade, the gateways through which goods flow in and out of our economy,” Sangqu said.
Lentswe and Kganya
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 meaning “light” and symbolising guidance in safe navigation of vessels, was revealed and christened by TNPA Board Member Valda Gossman.
The names of the tugs were chosen through a naming competition run among TNPA employees.
The two tugs are in addition to the five tugs which were delivered at the Port of Durban last month.
“We are proud to have delivered these tugboats for TNPA. The vessels represent a substantial investment in our maritime infrastructure and will contribute to local job creation and skills development as DSCT will provide all operational support, including spares, repairs, and services,” said Sefale Montsi, Director at Damen Shipyards Cape Town.
“Through a centralised system, the vessel will provide data-driven insight for timely information on ship operations,” she said.