Two new landmarks at the Port of Ngqura, which are part of ongoing developments to position the port as a container transhipment hub for Sub-Saharan Africa, were officially launched by Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) yesterday (Tuesday).
They are the port’s administration building and an administration craft basin for pilot boats and tugboats, including office facilities for operational staff working on these craft.
Included in TNPA’s latest R700-million investment into the port is the vacuum-based automated mooring technology pioneered at Ngqura last year. Produced by global engineering group Cavotec, the 26 mooring units were designed, custom manufactured and installed to meet the specific environmental conditions of the Port of Ngqura, which include strong winds that can negatively affect cargo operations, safety and the port’s efficiency.
TNPA chief executive, Richard Vallihu, said: “These three major operational projects form part of Transnet’s Market Demand Strategy which is now in its fourth year of implementation and which aims to enable the effective, efficient and economic functioning of an integrated port system to promote economic growth.
“Under the Transnet MDS TNPA will invest R56 billion over the next 10 years across South Africa’s ports. These three projects at the Port of Ngqura represent an investment of R700 million,” he added.
To date Ngqura has operated without an administration craft basin for the docking of marine craft such as pilot boats and tugboats. The new R362-million administration craft basin – located at the root of the eastern breakwater in the port basin – will facilitate this process safely in line with Ngqura’s growing fleet of craft.
Construction of the administration craft basin is planned for completion at the end of the year. Dredging is well under way and marine construction has commenced, said TNPA in a statement.
