Durban port docks historic number of crafts, R30m investment for Richards Bay port

The Port of Durban has marked a historic milestone at the Prince Edward Dry Dock at its Bayhead precinct by docking a record-breaking five marine crafts and a caisson gate.

The docking of the vessels at the dry dock boosts the local economy by creating employment opportunities within the marine engineering and repair industries.

With a capacity of 350m in length, the dock currently houses AMSOL’s uMkhuseli vessel that was rescued from distress at sea, iLembe, a hopper dredger which is booked for scheduled maintenance, three of the newly delivered tugs which are booked for mandatory assessments and certification and a caisson gate that is docked for leak repairs and corrosion protection.

The marine crafts and caisson gate have occupied 315m of the 350m capacity of the dock, reaching its maximum capacity safely allowed in the dock.

“This is in line with our strategic focus and mission to stimulate a transformed maritime economy through adaptable and fit-for-purpose infrastructure,” said Nkumbuzi Ben-Mazwi, acting port manager for the Port of Durban.

Enhanced customer service and quality of services rendered to customers are among the elements of Transnet’s recovery plan, which seeks to transform the organisation for sustainable growth in the future.

Constructed in the 1920s, the Prince Edward Dry Dock facility provides ship repair and maintenance services. It also offers rescue services to distressed vessels at sea and facilitates the assessment and certification of vessels.

Meanwhile, the Zululand Observer reports that the Port of Richards Bay has been earmarked for a R30b infrastructure investment while plans for a floating dry dock has been shelved.