THE LONG-awaited contract to build a series of harbour tugs for Transnet National Ports Authority has finally been awarded, after several previous tenders were awarded but then withdrawn because of legal disputes. The R400 million contract for five tugs was signed in July but made public only now by the shipbuilder, Southern African Shipyards. Three tugs each with a bollard pull of 70 tons are destined for the port of Ngqura and will become the most powerful harbour tugs in the Transnet inventory. They will be delivered between October 2 009 and May 2 010. A further two tugs of 60t pull are intended for Durban for delivery in September and November 2010. The tugs are to a design similar to other newbuilds in the harbour service, also built by Southern African Shipyards. Chief operating officer Louis Gontier said that with the experience built up on previous orders and with the latest contract the shipyard was aiming at being appointed a preferred Voith tug builder. The tugs involve Voith Schneider propulsion. He said the contract called for direct employment of 250 skilled workers plus a further 350 in indirect employment. The majority of the posts have already been filled. Other beneficiaries include the South African steel industry, which will supply some 1800 tons of specialised steel, while much of the electrical and instrumentation work will also be done locally. The engines and main propulsion equipment will be imported. The shipyard, which lies in the path of the intended new Bayhead container basin, has been ‘given the nod’ from Transnet that it can expect another five years at the site, followed by a relocation to another position in Bayhead that has been earmarked. Gontier said the yard was close to securing contracts for a further two tugs for a European customer, similar to those to be built for Ngqura but slightly longer and wider.
