Five of seven tugboats are to be allocated to the Durban Port to replace marine craft that have reached their operational lifespan. Injecting a R1b investment, Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) said this marine-fleet renewal programme of the tugboats is aimed at enhancing marine operations at its commercial seaports.

TNPA has awarded two contracts to a shipbuilding company, Damen Shipyards Cape Town, to deliver the seven tugboats from April to August 2024. From this procured tug fleet, the Port of Durban has been allocated five tugboats, and two will go to the Port of East London.

TNPA’s chief harbour master, Captain Rufus Lekala, said: “This investment demonstrates TNPA’s ongoing commitment to providing reliable marine craft at our South African ports, which will enable us to effectively service the marine industry and respond to global shipping demands.”

The procured tugboats boast the latest hull design and propulsion, as well as a 60-ton bollard pull, which is a much-needed improvement from the bollard pull of the existing tugboats which range from 32 to 40 tons. The 60-ton pollard pull meets international standards and makes the craft highly manoeuvrable while guiding larger and newer vessels safely in and out of the ports.

TNPA said that its marine fleet programme demonstrates a reimagined focus in ensuring that the Ports Authority delivers on its mandate of providing a competitive port system as an enabler of economic growth.