R400m tug order confirmed

THE LONG-awaited contract to build a series of
harbour tugs for Transnet
National Ports Authority has
finally been awarded, after
several previous tenders
were awarded but then
withdrawn because of legal
disputes.
The R400 million
contract for five tugs was
signed in July but made
public only now by the
shipbuilder, Southern African
Shipyards.
Three tugs each with a
bollard pull of 70 tons are
destined for the port of
Ngqura and will become the
most powerful harbour tugs
in the Transnet inventory.
They will be delivered
between October 2 009 and
May 2 010. A further two
tugs of 60t pull are intended
for Durban for delivery in
September and November
2010.
The tugs are to a design
similar to other newbuilds
in the harbour service, also
built by Southern African
Shipyards.
Chief operating officer
Louis Gontier said that with
the experience built up on
previous orders and with the
latest contract the shipyard
was aiming at being
appointed a preferred Voith
tug builder. The tugs involve
Voith Schneider propulsion.
He said the contract called
for direct employment of
250 skilled workers plus
a further 350 in indirect
employment. The majority
of the posts have already
been filled.
Other beneficiaries
include the South African
steel industry, which will
supply some 1800 tons
of specialised steel, while
much of the electrical and
instrumentation work will
also be done locally. The
engines and main propulsion
equipment will be imported.
The shipyard, which lies
in the path of the intended
new Bayhead container
basin, has been ‘given the
nod’ from Transnet that
it can expect another five
years at the site, followed
by a relocation to another
position in Bayhead that has
been earmarked.
Gontier said the yard was
close to securing contracts
for a further two tugs for a
European customer, similar
to those to be built for
Ngqura but slightly longer
and wider.