SA-DESIGNED and built at a cost of R170-million over an 18-month period, the tug ‘Ukhozi’ (Eagle) was officially welcomed at the Port of Richards Bay on Tuesday.
One of nine new tugs commissioned by TNPA as part of a record local R1.4- billion order, the new arrival will take over from a 44-year-old predecessor.
Built by Southern Africa Shipyards in Durban, the tug contract falls in line with the goals set out under government’s Operation Phakisa: Oceans Economy initiative.
The ‘christening’ of the new vessel was a colourful and noisy affair, with sister tugs Lilana and Uzavolo escorting the new arrival to the quayside amid a shower of water cannon spray as ships’ horns sounded loudly.
Speaking at a celebratory breakfast, Port Manager Preston Khomo said a second new tug would arrive at Richards Bay in November.
‘This happens as we celebrate the 40th anniversary of the port and is part of our marine fleet replacement programme. ‘We need to refurbish infrastructure and assets to effectively serve industry and meet or exceed our productivity and efficiency targets.
‘As TNPA we are proud that the project is still delivering on time, on budget and within specification.
‘Apart from delivering world class machines, the contract has been about creating jobs, spreading benefit to locally empowered companies, developing technical skills, training artisans and developing engineers for future generations.’
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