TERRY HUTSON
THE FIRST of two new tugs built in Durban has been launched at the Bayhead shipyards. The two tugs will become the largest and most powerful in service with Portnet and were built as a joint venture between Southern Africa Shipyards and SA Freight Shipbuilding (SAFbuild).
This marks the first time that a black empowerment company has been involved in the high-tech shipbuilding industry.
Construction of the two tugs, named Enseleni and Palmiet after local rivers, began in January 1999.
Based on a British design, they use Voith Schneider propulsion units and have a bollard pull of more than 50 tons, giving a considerable increase in strength over the existing tugs in service in South African ports. This reflects Portnet's readiness for the current tendency of larger container ships. According to Portnet Maersk has taken the decision to put fourth generation container vessels of some 290 metres in length on the South African service.
SAFBuild won the R104 million contract against fierce local and international competition and this is regarded as a major boost for the waning South African shipbuilding industry. Portnet says it is optimistic that the contract will serve as a catalyst to attract other major contracts to the Durban shipyard and has hinted that similar additions to the harbour tug fleet can be expected in the near future.
An unusual feature of the launching was a special heavy-duty crane that had to be erected to complete the vessel's introduction to water, with the operation taking the best part of a day. The second tug in the building programme will be launched in a few weeks time. Afterwards the crane will be dismantled until it is next needed.
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