70-year-old PE slipway undergoes R3.5 million upgrade

The recent refurbishment of the Port of Port Elizabeth’s main slipway has doubled its capacity to 1200 tons. “Despite the difficult financial times, the port will still be going ahead with investments and the upgrade of our infrastructure,” says Neil Chetty, acting port manager. Transnet National Ports Authority has committed to investing R79.6 million in capital projects at the Port of PE during its 2009/10 financial year. The R3.5 million refurbishment is good news for the fishing industry in the area. According to marine operations manager – Transnet National Ports Authority, David Goliath, “Owners of fishing vessels over 600 tons were forced to travel to other ports to undergo compulsory routine maintenance every two years. This added substantially to the costs of maintenance.” The slipway upgrade also benefits the port’s own vehicles such as the Shiraz Tug Boat which will now be serviced at the port’s slipway instead of sailing to the Port of East London for maintenance. “This will result in a 30% saving bi-annually on craft maintenance,” says Goliath. The slipway forms part of the marine services offered by the Port of PE and is operational 24 hours a day.