The first batch of four hydraulic tension mooring units has been delivered and operationalised at the ports of Cape Town and Ngqura to improve operational efficiencies caused by inclement weather.
Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) said the consignment formed part of an order of 52 units that would contribute to easing congestion and shipping delays at the ports.
A hydraulic tension mooring unit is a system that is placed on the quayside to ensure the safety of vessels, mitigating the severity of long-wave effects on vessels. The units assist by stabilising vessels during strong winds, adverse weather conditions and high swells, minimising down-time and improving safety of staff during port operations.
TNPA general manager for infrastructure, Thecla Mneney, said the delivery marked the first of a series of major port equipment deliveries at commercial seaports this year.
“We continue to make progress in fast-tracking the implementation of key investments in port infrastructure to improve operational efficiencies and provide quality service to the maritime industry,” he added.
The new mooring units increase TNPA’s capacity to prevent excessive surge motions of vessels alongside quays, bringing the total number of units to six at the Port of Cape Town and four at the Port of Ngqura.
TNPA has procured 52 shore tension units with an allocation of 16 units for the Port of Cape Town, 14 for the Port of Durban, eight for the Port of Port Elizabeth, six for the Port of Ngqura, four for the Port of Saldanha and four for the Port of Richards Bay. The phased delivery of the rest of the units will be completed by early 2025.
