Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) christened two new launch boats – destined for the Port of Cape Town – in Durban on Monday.
The vessels were locally built by Sandock Austral Shipyards (SAS) in Durban and form part of the ports authority’s marine fleet renewal programme. The programme aims to improve shipping efficiencies by increasing the availability of marine craft at ports.
The ports authority awarded SAS the R58-million contract to construct and deliver the two new launch boats in November 2022.
TNPA acting port manager for Cape Town, Ophelia Shabane, speaking at the traditional maritime ceremony, said the acquisition of the new vessels would support the work of the port in servicing niche markets such as the fishing industry.
“The arrival of these new craft comes at an opportune time when TNPA is executing the Transnet recovery plan, through the acquisition of a fit-for-purpose marine fleet to improve operational efficiencies. This also aligns with our commitment to meeting industry demands in the western region,” Shabane said.
A launch boat plays a crucial part in port operations as it is the only craft that can assist in towing and pulling vessels into confined sea channels. It is also used to run mooring lines and assists in docking, sailing and shifting of fishing and other smaller vessels within the port.
The new launch boats replace the two existing vessels, which are more than 40 years old and have reached their operational and design lifespan.
SAS CEO Prasheen Maharaj welcomed the opportunity to partner with the ports authority to supply locally built vessels to the maritime sector.
“We welcome an opportunity to assist TNPA with the replenishment of its marine fleet under the TNPA Marine Fleet Renewal programme and Transnet Recovery Plan,” Maharaj said.
The design of the launch boats is in accordance with the rules of Bureau Veritas Class notation and the SA Maritime Safety Authority requirements for the vessel type.
SAS, a fully accredited shipbuilding and ship repair facility that holds International Standards Organization accreditations, undertook a large part of the manufacturing work with the support of the ports authority’s specialist service providers.
The project created approximately 70 direct jobs and 40 indirect jobs through SAS contractors. The project also supported practical on-the-job training of 20 apprentices from the SAS-accredited in-house apprentice learning and development centre.
