Transnet Port Terminals has completed the R107 million construction of a new tug jetty and extension of a previously existing jetty at the Port of Durban to improve efficiency and vessel turnaround time in South Africa’s busiest port.
Durban port engineer Malefetsane Setake said the work completed had included the construction of a 110-meter new tug jetty and a 35-meter extension to the existing tug jetty, which are both located adjacent to the Bat Centre.
Construction work on the jetties commenced in late 2021.
"We have also completed the dredging of the basin to eight meters so we can now accommodate 70-tonne pull tugs," he said.
Malefetsane said the completion of the jetties would allow the port to house its entire fleet in one central location in the port, which would improve efficiencies in turning around vessels.
He said the next project his team would be focusing on is the construction of a R60 million scour protection mat at the port's new cruise terminal. The project is set to start this week.
"We will construct a rock mat at the bottom of the quay to protect the quay from being undermined over time by the mechanical action of cruise vessels' propellers," Malefetsane said.
Durban harbour master captain Sabelo Mdlalose officially launched the opening of the jetties on Tuesday.
"This is a very strategic project for us to enable us to bring ships easily in and out of the port,” he said.
“The improvement that has enabled us to house all our tugs here, including the tugs we are thinking of procuring. The location is good because we can get tugs in and out as easily as possible.”
