Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) has published a Request for Information (RFI) for a strategic pilot project to use green and cleaner fuels for its selected diesel-operated tugboat fleet.
TNPA said in a statement on Wednesday that the project aligned with its commitment to bolster South Africa’s just transition to a low-carbon economy focused on cleaner, renewable fuels.
The initiative is a pilot project to retrofit existing tugboats to use alternative, fuels including liquefied natural gas, biodiesel, hydrogen and methanol.
“Upon the success of the retrofitting pilot phase, the tugboats will be restored to optimal operational performance and efficiency, enabling them to service the ports with using improved fuel and sustainable environmental impact.”
According to the RFI, interested parties are invited to submit proposals for the technical assessment of old diesel tugboats.
The scope of work includes assessing the condition of the existing tugboats, evaluating components such as the diesel engines, and inspecting the mechanical and structural compartments for potential new components or modifications.
TNPA Acting Chief Executive, Phyllis Difeto, said the project stemmed from the port authority’s energy mix initiatives, which responded to its objective of operating an “environmentally sustainable” port system.
“The plans to retrofit TNPA’s tugboat fleet with low- to no-carbon fuel is a significant step towards decarbonising shipping and reducing the carbon footprint of our marine craft,” said Difeto.
The RFI documents can be accessed on the Transnet tender portal here.
