Delays in repair project for Durban dry dock

The start of the R30 million repair project at the Prince Edward graving dry dock in Durban was stalled from its original start date of August 1, thanks to unexpected extra work being required on the hospital ship, Africa Merc

She finally left the dry dock on August 19, allowing the contractors, Channel Construction, to take possession the next day. The timing of two-month shutdown for refurbishment of the dock and its facilities was therefore adjusted to now finish on October 20, when the middle caisson will serve as the temporary gate to the dry dock as it again becomes partly operational.

The expected completion date of the major repairs to the outer caisson (the 35 metre long, 900 tonne main steel gate) has also moved from end- November to mid-December.