SUBJECT TO head office approval Durban could have a new floating dock to replace the present 59-year-old dock before the end of this year.
Rob Twelves, Durban's acting dockyard manager, is currently short-listing a number of potential second-hand docks and once capex approval has been granted by head office, Portnet personnel will travel overseas to make on-site inspections.
According to Twelves the new dock will have a lifting capacity of between 4,5 and 5000 gross tons. This will enable all of Portnet's tug and dredging fleet to be handled as well as emergency repairs to fishing vessels, without having to make use of the heavily booked graving dock or the alternative of re-directing vessels to East London.
He told FTW that there was a surplus of good quality second hand docks available on the world market and it made sense for Portnet to explore this opportunity rather than order a newbuild.
One of the reasons for a dock of no more than 5000 gross tons capacity is the physical dimension limits and encroachments into the Maydon Wharf turning basin.
We also want to be able to service the floating dock in our own graving dock and with a bigger floating dock this would not be possible, he said. These docks have to enter a graving dock for inspection and maintenance every five years so this is an important consideration. Durban's existing dock was purchased new from a British shipyard back in 1938. Considering the expected life-span of a floating dock is about 35 years the dock has given Portnet more than its fair share of efficient service. Due to its age and general wear-and-tear the dock was recently downrated in capacity, further lessening its effectiveness.
The new floating dock will be Durban's fourth.
BY TERRY HUTSON
