Durban port dredging moves into top gear

It would appear that four ships grounding in and just outside the Port of Durban in recent months have stirred up a positive reaction from Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA). FTW queried the authority on this issue – which had gained Durban the title of an unsafe port from both local and foreign master mariners and line executives – and received the following answers. FTW: Is any sounding of the depths being done at the Port of Durban? If so, by whom and what info has become available on the depths sounded compared to the charted depths? TNPA: The port of Durban has a permanent hydrographer in the port, and all official soundings are done by TNPA Dredging Services. The high spot off the berths N-O (on a corner of the T-jetty) has been removed, and these berths are to (charted) depth. FTW: Has any dredging been conducted at the port. If so where, and to what depths? TNPA: Yes. At N-O corner, Island View 2 (IV2) channel, berth 107, and the sand trap (alongside the north breakwater). All dredging is done to get areas back to design depth. These depths vary throughout the port. Port of Durban has been authorised to exceed the current dredging budget to attend to all urgent/additional dredging in the port. FTW: What is the update info on the dredging of the berths being upgraded at the container terminals, and what is the future programme? TNPA: Please can we get back to you on this? New info available shortly. TNPA: The Italeni has been back from Maputo since December 24. Dredging priorities are agreed on a weekly basis. The area outside – where the vessel touched ground – is on the priority list. The following berths are currently not to depth: A, N, 102, 107 (despite dredging – see answer to the second question). Berths are dredged subject to dredger availability. More frequent soundings are being done in the basin area off berths N-O to monitor the movement of material. Maydon Wharf 1 (MW1) and MW13 are currently under construction. CAPTION The Italeni has been back from Maputo since December 24 and dredging priorities are agreed on a weekly basis.