In a move to fast-track its operational efficiency, Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) has christened two new launch boats destined for the Port of Cape Town built by the Sandock Austral Shipyards (SAS) in Durban. This acquisition forms part of the TNPA Marine Fleet Renewal programme, which aims to improve shipping efficiencies at the South African ports by increasing marine craft availability.
The TNPA Marine Fleet Renewal programme is one of TNPA’s strategic deliverables in the Transnet Recovery Plan. The Christening Ceremony is a revered maritime tradition for launching a vessel, believed to bestow fortune and a safe voyage to the vessel as well as its crew.
This milestone follows a meticulous building period that began after TNPA awarded SAS a contract of approximately R58 million in November 2022, to construct and deliver two new launch boats destined for the Port of Cape Town.
In her delivery of a keynote address at the Christening Ceremony, TNPA Acting Port Manager for Cape Town, Ophelia Shabane said, “The arrival of these new crafts comes at an opportune time when TNPA is executing the Transnet Recovery Plan, through the acquisition of fit-for-purpose marine fleet to improve operational efficiencies. This also aligns with our commitment to meeting
industry demands in the western region.”
A launch boat plays a crucial part in port operations as it is the only craft that can assist in towing and pulling vessels into confined sea channels. It is also used to run mooring lines and assists in docking, sailing and shifting of fishing and other smaller vessels within the port.
The delivery of the new launch boats replaces the existing two launches that are over 40-years old and have reached operational and design lifespan. “We welcome an opportunity to assist TNPA with the replenishment of its marine fleet under the TNPA Marine Fleet Renewal programme and Transnet Recovery Plan. SAS continues to play a pivotal role in the engineering and manufacturing of multiple purpose vessels for TNPA, many of which still provide a critical service to ports around the country” said Prasheen Maharaj Chief
Executive Officer of Sandock Austral Shipyards.
The design of the launch boats is in accordance with the rules of Bureau Veritas Class notation and SAMSA requirements for this type of vessel. SAS, a fully accredited ship building and ship repair facility holding various ISO accreditations undertook a large part of the manufacturing work with support from our specialist service providers. The project has generated the creation of approximately 70 direct jobs and 40 indirect jobs through the SAS contractors. The project has also supported the practical on-the-job training of 20 apprentices who gained an invaluable opportunity to apply newly acquired theoretical skills from the classroom training acquired within the SAS accredited in-house Apprentice Learning and Development Centre.
