The Port of East London has received two tugboats that were christened on Thursday, marking the completion of Transnet National Ports Authority’s (TNPA) R1 billion investment in its marine fleet renewal programme.
The programme, aimed at boosting tugboat availability and enhancing shipping operations, is a key element of Transnet’s recovery plan.
Damen Shipyards Cape Town delivered the tugs this week to replace the existing tug fleet, which has reached its operational lifespan at the port.
TNPA said in a statement that the tugs featured high technology solutions, were built with an azimuth stern drive and had an improved bollard pull of 60 tonnes, compared with the 43-tonne bollard pull on the existing tugs.
“The procurement of the tugs serves as a catalyst for the Port of East London’s expansion plan. The plan includes the deepening and strengthening of the port’s automotive berth to address berthing challenges,” the ports authority said.
“The project hit a significant milestone in November 2023 with the commencement of the concrete works package. Once completed, the port will be able to simultaneously berth two larger vessels with a ripple effect on increased volume throughput, a welcomed development for the port and the Eastern Cape province.”
Transnet Board Chairperson, Andile Sangqu, speaking during the tug naming and christening ceremony, said the journey towards the group’s full recovery lay in its commitment to growth and investing in fit-for-purpose equipment.
“This acquisition is a crucial investment towards creating a sustainable port system and will enable the execution of strategic projects currently under way at the Port of East London,” said Sangqu.
At the christening ceremony, tug Lentswe, meaning the voice of sailors, was unveiled by Transnet Board Member, Boitumelo Sedupane in her role as the tug’s Lady Sponsor, while tug Kganya, meaning ‘light’, symbolising guidance in safe navigation of vessels, was revealed and christened by TNPA Board Member, Valda Gossman.
The names were chosen through a naming competition run among TNPA employees.
Damen Shipyards Cape Town (DSCT) Director, Sefale Montsi, said the company was proud to have delivered the boats for the ports authority.
“The vessels represent a substantial investment in our maritime infrastructure and will contribute to local job creation and skills development as DSCT will provide all operational support, including spares, repairs, and services”
Also included in the river port’s expansion plan is the delivery of two jib cranes for the port's dry dock facility, which will increase the ship repair facility’s capacity and volume throughput in the 2024/25 financial year.
