The Transnet National Port Authority of Durban has begun a multi-million-rand Tug Jetty Project in Durban Port to increase marine fleet berthing capacity and reduce the port turnaround time.
The R127 million Tug Jetty Project in Durban Port will be divided into two parts: the first will involve the construction of a new 110-meter tug jetty adjacent to and parallel to the current pier, and the second will involve the extension of the existing tug jetty by 35 meters.
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WBHO Building (Pty) Ltd was awarded the expansion project in February 2021, and the building began in May 2021.
Benefits of the Tug Jetty Project in Durban Port
The Tug Jetty Project in Durban Port purpose is to increase port efficiency while also providing adequate berthing space for all sorts of marine craft. The second phase of construction is scheduled to begin in June 2022, with plans to deepen the tug basin to 8 meters chart datum (CD) to accommodate all tug sizes in the port. When the first leg is finished, the jetty will be handed over to the port’s Marine Department and utilized to dock the port’s marine fleet.
According to him, the old tug jetty will be decommissioned and given over to the contractor, who will begin expanding and deepening it.
The provision of efficient maritime services is one of TNPA’s key service offerings to the shipping industry. These services include towage, docking, and/or undocking for vessels arriving at and exiting the port. As a result, this service’s efficiency depends on a trustworthy fleet of tugs capable of providing an agreed-upon service level of above 85% to a wide range of vessels. As a consequence of the current initiatives, the marine services function will operate efficiently, guaranteeing that the company delivers on the agreed-upon service offered to clients.
The Port of Durban’s marine fleet includes tugs, launches, pilot boats, punts, a waste collection boat, a floating crane, and a corporate craft (Isiponono).
The tenderer was obligated to subcontract at least 30% of the project to small businesses owned by at least 51% black people as part of the organization’s socioeconomic mandate.
