Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) has freed up an additional 300 metres of berth space in the port of Ngqura by the construction of a R360-million admin craft basin (ACB).
The original port design did not accommodate tugs and pilot boats.
“Having had no facility to berth the tugs was always a limitation for the port in terms of revenue creation,” says TNPA senior engineer Zanele Ntantala.
“This significant investment in infrastructure demonstrates TNPA’s confidence in the future of this expanding port,” she added.
TNPA is currently leasing parts of the finger jetty which was built to handle bulk cargo to companies refurbishing and servicing oil rigs.
It will be able to accommodate at least one more rig until the jetty is utilised for the export of manganese ore – with 2023 the scheduled starting date.
Ngqura port manager Tandi Lebakeng told FTW Online that the new craft basin would free up Berth C101 for Transnet to provide a dedicated bulk handling facility in the port of Ngqura.
Construction on the service boat harbour was done in the dry, as with the initial port construction.
This means that the sea was kept behind bunt walls during construction.
The new facility is made up of a 300-metre-long breakwater, armoured with rock, and a 120-metre-long Finger Pier that is capable of accommodating up to six tugs – or four tugs, a pilot boat, and other small craft.
Provision has also been made for easy extension of the pier to accommodate two extra tugs and additional small craft such as SANParks and SAPS vessels.
Dredging at the ACB is expected to be completed by end April 2018, after which the tugs will be moved to the new site.