New Bay harbour acquisition flies high
One of two new chopper acquisitions for Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) – the other being allocated to the Port of Durban – went into service over the weekend, proudly soaring between its Alkantstrand base and vessels at the outer anchorage
SERVICE delivery at the Port of Richards Bay has been boosted following the much anticipated arrival of a brand new helicopter for use in the transfer of marine pilots to and from vessels entering or leaving the harbour.
One of two new chopper acquisitions for Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) – the other being allocated to the Port of Durban – went into service over the weekend, proudly soaring between its Alkantstrand base and vessels at the outer anchorage.
The procurement of the helicopters, manufactured by Italian global high-tech company, Leonardo, has been a priority for TNPA under the Transnet Market Demand Strategy and its fleet renewal programme.
Acting Chief Executive, Nozipho Mdawe, said the new helicopters would help TNPA to improve its service offering to customers and improve the overall reliability, safety and operational efficiency of its marine service at the two ports.
The new port chopper will ensure increased safety, reliability and operational efficiency. The new AW109SP began its duties at the weekend, flying its colours boldly over Alkantstrand
‘We are delighted to have reached this milestone and to be responding to industry calls for a more efficient and reliable marine pilot service in our ports of Durban and Richards Bay.
‘The AgustaWestland (AW109SP) helicopters, valued at approximately R250-million in total, will replace helicopters that are reaching the end of their life cycle.
‘The new craft will bring benefits for our customers and improve the global competitiveness of our ports, resulting in economic benefits to the region.’
RSA innovation
The Ports of Durban and Richards Bay are presently the only ports in TNPA’s complementary port system which uses helicopters to transfer marine pilots.
However, the service will also be introduced in Cape Town in 2022.
South Africa pioneered the concept of transferring marine pilots to and from vessels by helicopter and is understood to be one of only three countries in the world that offers this service.
The AW109SP is a modern top-of-the-range light twin-engine helicopter with excellent operational flexibility, as well as high safety levels through advanced navigation and situational awareness technology.
The two new AW109SP’s are equipped with a harbour pilot shuttle kit, which features a hoist that enables this distinctive operation, as well as several other installations unique to Transnet’s aircraft.
The contract for the new helicopters includes a supplier development obligation by the global supplier to ensure that the contract created socio-economic benefits within South Africa.
These included job creation, skills development and where possible, use of local, empowered companies and local materials or parts.
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