Transnet has pumped a collective R542 million into several major infrastructure and equipment projects at South Africa’s only river port in the last few years, with the latest project – rehabilitation of the sheet pile wharf adjacent to the dry dock – completed earlier this month.
The R108-million project set out to rehabilitate the 83-metre wharf adjacent to the Princess Elizabeth Dry Dock and Latimer’s Landing. With multiple functions, including use as a ship repair facility and for berthing small craft, the wharf will support the port’s Operation Phakisa ambitions focusing on marine transport and manufacturing.
Acting port manager Alvin Singama said this was one of several projects aimed at refurbishing and modernising the port’s infrastructure to sustain existing business and cargo, while simultaneously positioning for future growth.
“The port is gearing up to further enhance its capacity with expansion of its automotive facilities and the upgrade of maritime engineering offerings in line with Operation Phakisa,” said Singama.
Operation Phakisa is a programme introduced by the South African government to unlock the economic potential of the country’s oceans. In East London it includes refurbishment of the dry dock at a total cost of R219 million to support ship repair and marine manufacturing. The total dry dock refurbishment project is expected to be completed in 2021, with new switchgear and crane rails already completed. The initiative to establish a boat building cluster at the port has however been negatively impacted by the worldwide economic slowdown.
“Nevertheless, there is still potential to grow volumes and expand business in the port, which will have a positive socio-economic impact on the city,” added Singama.
Other investments already completed at the port earlier this year include the R176-million West Bank Foreshore protection project. This entailed the construction of a revetment to protect the port’s foreshore and rail infrastructure from erosion and damage caused by rough seas and wave action.
The port’s tanker berth fire protection system is also being upgraded, while port security has seen an investment of R92m to date, with further investments on surveillance equipment under way.
The port is also replacing its rail network and refurbishing the Buffalo Bridge.
Deepening and widening of the port’s entrance channel is still in pre-feasibility stage, with Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) exploring various designs and layouts based on modelling and completed simulations of vessel manoeuvring.
Studies for the Latimer’s Landing jetty project have been completed and are awaiting finalisation of approval by the Eastern Cape Heritage Resource Agency.
