Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) is installing a new R76 million marine excavator on the Italeni, a grab hopper dredger that maintains the depth of port berths, basins and entrance channels to ensure the safe navigation of vessels.
TNPA said in a statement on Tuesday that the cutting-edge technology would boost dredging volumes and increase efficiency at commercial seaports.
A marine excavator is a specialised machinery that is used to improve dredging operations while ensuring safe practices for the sustainability of marine and coastal environments.
“With an investment value of R76 million, the newly installed excavator is designed to grab dredged material weighing up to 2 000kg at a radius of at least 20 metres,” TNPA said.
“The upgrade will enable the Italeni to efficiently handle dredged volumes of 150 000 cubic metres (m³), a significant increase to its annual capacity of 94 000 m³.”
The upgrade replaces the excavator fitted in 2014, which has reached its operational lifespan, and is expected to bolster berth availability to meet rising demand from larger vessels.
TNPA acting chief executive, Phyllis Difeto, said the upgrade was in line with the ports authority’s strategic intent to create a smart port system by harnessing innovation and technology.
“Coupled with enhancing the dredger’s capability to dredge the ports to the required depth, the new marine excavator will ensure that our waterside infrastructure remains competitive by improving TNPA’s customer service offering," Difeto said.
Italeni is the only dredging vessel in South Africa capable of accessing confined berths and quay walls, distinguishing the craft from the rest of the ports authority’s dredging fleet for maintenance work.
TNPA’s installed machinery adheres to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, South African Maritime Safety Authority regulations, and the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships.
