Fourth of 9 tugs launched in Durban

TRANSNET National Ports Authority (TNPA) yesterday launched the fourth of nine new tugs that are being built in Durban.

The Osprey will serve at Saldanha in the Western Cape when all trials and testing are over.

TNPA chief operating officer Phyllis Difeto said: “The work by Durban ship builder Southern African Shipyards on this project has helped to cement the marine ship-building and support industry locally.

“Having a local manufacturer also promises excellent aftersales support for the 35-year service life of these vessels,” he said.

The new tugs are being built over three-and-a-half years, as part of a wider fleet replacement programme that covers tugs, new dredging vessels and new marine aviation helicopters.

To date two tugs – Mvezo and Qunu – have been delivered to the port of Port Elizabeth.

Saldanha took delivery of Cormorant in August and Osprey will be delivered in December, followed by the port’s third tug next year.

The ports of Durban and Richards Bay will also receive two new tugs. There will be hand-overs every three months until the last tug is launched in early 2018.

Each tug is 31m long with a 70ton bollard pull. The older fleet of 29 tugs has 32.5 to 40 ton pulls. The increased bollard pull of these new generation tugs meets international standards.

They also feature the latest global technology, such as Voith Schneider propulsion, which makes them highly manoeuvrable and able to change direction and thrust almost instantaneously while guiding large vessels safely into South Africa’s ports.

The tug-building contract is worth R1.4 billion.