Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) took delivery of four tug boats this week that will be deployed at the Ports of Durban and East London.
TNPA said the delivery forms part of its R1 billion investment in seven new tug boats that will replace marine craft that have reached their operational lifespan. The investment is in line with the port company’s focus on operational efficiency to boost marine fleet availability at its ports.
“The arrival of the tug boats brings us a step closer towards the execution of its marine fleet renewal programme, which entails replacing marine fleet with the latest technology to extend the lifespan of marine assets,” TNPA said.
The port of Durban and East London have been allocated two tugs each. The tug boats, built by Damen Shipyards Cape Town, have a 60-tonne bollard pull, an improvement on the current 32 and 40-tonne bollard pull capacity of the existing tug boats.
The fleet has docked at the Port of Durban’s dry dock where it will undergo technical tests for three weeks. Upon completion, TNPA will hold a ceremony to launch, name and christen the tug boats – an old marine tradition believed to bring good luck to the vessel and those who sail aboard.
The phased delivery of the remaining three tugs is expected to be completed by August 2024.
