With close to 60% of the work already completed on Transnet National Ports Authority’s R30-million caisson repair project at the 90-year-old Prince Edward graving dry dock in Durban, the project’s handover date has been brought forward by a month to November 25.
Initially the four-month project schedule entailed a two-month non-operational period in August and September 2015 followed by a partly operational period in October and November 2015. But, according to Durban port manager Moshe Motlohi, the dock’s non-operational period has been extended to also end on November 25.
This is the third and final phase of a comprehensive repair programme on the dry dock’s outer caisson which was deemed unsafe and in need of repair. Work completed to date includes the refurbishment of certain sections of the 3- metre-long, 900-ton steel caisson and the installation of other new sections.
Under Transnet’s Market Demand Strategy, the plans are a key aspect of TNPA’s R35-billion-plus investment into port infrastructure, capacity and maintenance over seven years ending 2019.
