Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) says Durban port’s multi-million rand tug jetty project development is “moving full steam ahead” and is expected to be completed in December 2023.
TNPA said in a statement that the R127-million tug jetty expansion project was moving on swiftly, in line with the Durban port master plan, which is set to position the port as a container hub to respond to larger vessels requiring additional tugs for a quicker turnaround time.
“The Port of Durban tug jetty project has been implemented in two segments. These commenced with the establishment of a new 110m tug jetty adjacent and parallel to the existing jetty, with this phase being 98% complete,” TNPA said.
The second segment of the project, which has already kicked off, is the extension of the existing tug jetty by 35m where teams are currently building the concrete deck.
Port engineer for the Port of Durban, Malefetsane Setaka, said: “This project will contribute to an improved turnaround time by providing a dedicated docking space for the new tugs, thereby ensuring all marine fleets are berthed and located in one dedicated water space.”
The project was earlier hampered by delays after the April floods that impacted the port’s operations. This included sewer spills and contaminated water that resulted in the port suspending diving activities, delaying critical underwater works on the project. The excessive debris in the tug-jetty basin also impacted dredging and the repairs to new sinkholes, impacting access to place scour rock protection along the quayside.
TNPA said its project team, together with the contractor, had established recovery mechanisms to reduce as much time lost as possible, to ensure the project was completed according to its planned timelines.
The jetty and its water and electrical reticulation have been completed, dredging is approximately 95% complete, and workers are currently placing the rock scour protection.
Progress to date on the 35m extension to the existing T jetty has seen all piles installed, all six precast transom beams placed, and all 18 precast soffit slabs placed. Teams have placed 20 precast fender panels and are now busy installing the last seven, while 50% of the concrete stitching for the first layer of concrete on deck has been completed and 25% of the second layer has been finished.
