The Port of Durban has improved its marine craft status by increasing tug availability to an average of six tugs this month.
However, commenting on Transnet National Ports Authority’s announcement of the increased fleet availability, industry stakeholders noted that there had been little improvement in efficiency and congestion in the port remained a concern.
TNPA said increased tug availability would complement its 24-hour helicopter service, ensure a quicker turnaround of vessels at the port, and allow terminal operators to implement the Container Recovery Plan “with agility”.
The boost in tug availability comes after the introduction of TNPA’s fleet renewal programme which seeks to ensure that marine craft are maintained and serviced periodically to mitigate against breakdowns and provide a buffer.
“The six operational tugs, Umkhomazi, Mkhuze, Lotheni, Palmiet, Pholela and uMhlali, are playing a vital role in adding the required tug capacity and availability in the improvement of operational efficiencies in the port,” TNPA said.
However, freight industry sources, who asked not to be named, said there had been “some improvement” at the port but there was still a long way to go to improve efficiency.
One port user said that on Friday, for Pier 1, there were no slots available to truckers. “Transporters and customers have been complaining all week. They don’t have enough equipment to service landside and waterside at the same time. The number of container vessels sitting outside is still high,” the source said.
He added that on Monday there had been 19 container vessels queuing outside the port.
Port users are expected to attend a meeting with acting group chief executive Michelle Phillips on Tuesday where she will provide an update on the entity’s turnaround plan to confront congestion impacting logistics in the country.
The provision of tugs falls within the ambit of TNPA as stipulated in Section 11 (n) of the National Ports Act of 2005, which states that the authority should provide or arrange for tugs, pilot boats and other facilities and services for the navigation and berthing of vessels in the ports.
“Having all six tugs operating is a big step in the right direction for the port, and our investment in the marine fleet exhibits our commitment to continuous improvement and ensuring the port remains a gateway for trade. We are optimistic about the positive impact these tugs will have on the current container recovery plan and our general service offering to our customers,” said Mpumi Dweba-Kwetana, port manager at the Port of Durban.
Most of the repair and maintenance of the Port of Durban marine fleet has been carried out by TNPA’s internal heavy engineering workshop, Workshop 24, based in the Bayhead Precinct in the port.
TNPA said it also anticipated the delivery of three second-hand tugs to the Port of Durban in the first quarter of 2024.
