Two new tugs for Transnet’s KZN Ports
The new USIBA tug was christened and named ahead of its delivery to the Port of Richards Bay, while the Port of Durban took delivery of its UMBILO tug.
TRANSNET National Ports Authority (TNPA) celebrated a twin milestone for its KwaZulu-Natal ports when the new USIBA tug was christened and named ahead of its delivery to the port of Richards Bay.
Durban took delivery of its UMBILO tug which was launched and named earlier this year.
The tugs form part of Transnet’s R1.4 billion, nine-tug construction contract.
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The vessels are the sixth and seventh respectively to roll off the production line on time and within budget.
All nine tugs are being built by Southern African Shipyards in Durban.
The name USIBA is derived from the isiZulu word for the Black-crowned Night-Heron, but can also refer to a feather.
The Port of Richards Bay has a tradition of naming its marine fleet after treasured South African birds, such as the UKHOZI tug (eagle) and the older INDWE (blue crane).
In line with maritime tradition the ceremonial duty of christening the vessel was carried out by Lady Sponsor, Judith Nzimande. Nzimande is presently the President of the Zululand Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
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Speaking at the event, TNPA General Manager: Strategy, Nico Walters, said the latest milestones followed TNPA and Southern African Shipyards’ joint win of the Partnership Award in the Manufacturing category of the 2017 KZN Top Business Awards.
“TNPA and Southern African Shipyards clinched the award for this project, which the awards panel recognised as demonstrating our commitment to developing South Africans, and ultimately strengthening the nation through shipbuilding and repair services.
The panel deemed this operation exceptional in respect of transparency and timeous delivery,” he said.
Through the project TNPA and SAS have created 500 direct and 3500 indirect jobs with a minimum of 60 per cent locally manufactured components.
The nine tugs are being built for TNPA over three and a half years, as part of a wider fleet replacement programme that also includes new dredging vessels and new marine aviation helicopters.
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USIBA will be handed over to the Port of Richards Bay in November.
The eighth tug is due to be delivered in February 2018 and the ninth and final tug in June 2018.
TNPA’s new fleet of nine tugs are each 31 metres long with a 70 ton bollard pull.
They feature the latest global technology such as Voith Schneider propulsion.
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