The Port of Mossel Bay has completed a feasibility study for a rehabilitation project to expand capacity, improve efficiencies and promote the long-term operation of its ship repair facility.
Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) announced on Friday that the project included development work to increase the port’s slipway and cradle capacity from 200 tonnes to 500 tonnes and entailed the installation of new technology, side slip, smart electrical network, and a new workshop. The project is expected to commence in September 2024.
TNPA said that despite its current capacity limitations the port had almost doubled the number of vessels serviced at its ship repair facility where it handled 20 vessels in the 2022/23 financial year compared to an average of 13 vessels in previous years. It attributed the growth to its accelerated maintenance programme and quick turnaround time.
“The increase in utilisation of the port’s ship repair facility can only be taken to greater highs by the successful implementation of the rehabilitation project. We are certain that a bigger and better facility will have immense benefits for locals and key industry role players,” said Port of Mossel Bay manager, Dr Dineo Mazibuko.
Beyond its critical function in preserving maritime assets, the Port of Mossel Bay’s ship repair facility serves as a contributor to job creation and economic growth in the Garden Route District.
TNPA said detailed designs would be reviewed by the end of October and an Environmental Impact Assessment would be conducted in compliance with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment before the project commenced.
“The facility will be out of commission during project implementation,” the ports authority said.
