Claassens takes on chief engineer post

VONK CLAASSENS, regional engineer at East London harbour, has been appointed chief engineer in charge of all South African port engineering activities. His appointment was effective from June 1 when he succeeded current chief engineer Arie Burggraaf, who retires at the end of the year. According to the National Ports Authority, the succession as chief engineer requires a lengthy lap-over period before full responsibility is transferred to the new man in charge. In his new position at NPAÕs Johannesburg head office, Claassens will be responsible for the multi-billion rand infrastructure and maintenance of ports nationwide. Claassens, who holds a BSc degree in engineering from Wits University, was appointed to his East London post in 1989, and has been involved in all the recent major developments in that harbour, including the car terminal and linking bridge which enable Daimler Chrysler products to be shipped from the port.