Rehabilitation of the inner caisson which divides the Port of Durban’s Prince Edward Graving Dock into two sections, is progressing well, says Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA).
Following earlier investigation of the facility it was identified that parts of the caisson had aged and deteriorated.
“The R61 500 700 project to repair the caisson and upgrade the drive system was undertaken to ensure the safety of the dry dock and the sustainability of the ship repair business in Durban,” said Dumisani Mkhize, Durban’s deputy port engineer.
The refurbishment will also allow for two smaller vessels to be docked simultaneously.
Two Durban-based companies, Lodemann and Channel Construction, were contracted in May 2018 for the project.
The rehab project, which forms part of the government’s oceans economy initiative, Operation Phakisa, is expected to be completed by November 2019.
