Name and Location
Tug building project, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

Client
Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA).

Project Description
The project involves the construction of nine tugboats, including the world’s most powerful tugboat, over the next four years.

Eight of the tugs will be 31 m long and 11.5 m wide, with almost double the pulling power of the tugs currently used at South Africa’s ports.

The most powerful tug in the world will be 42 m long and 15 m wide, with a bollard pull of 100 t.

The new fleet of tugs, produced by Durban-based Southern African Shipyards, will replace ageing tugboats at the ports of Durban, Port Elizabeth, Richards Bay and Saldanha.

The ports of Durban, Richards Bay and Port Elizabeth will each be allocated two tugs, while the Port of Saldanha, which handles the largest carriers and has a history of vessel groundings, will receive three tugs.

Value
The order is estimated at a little under R1.5-billion.

Duration
The first tug is expected to be handed over at the beginning of 2016 and the last in the first quarter of 2018.

Latest Developments
The TNPA has said that the contract to produce nine tugboats for its nationwide ports continues to progress on time and within budget, with the first tug due to be handed over in January next year.

The first tug is about 35% complete, while its hull and superstructure are 70% complete. Following the first delivery next year, the completed tugboats will be handed over to the TNPA every three months until the last one will be launched in early 2018.

Key Contracts and Suppliers
Southern African Shipyards (tugboat construction).

On Budget and on Time?
The project is on time and on budget.

Contact Details for Project Information
Transnet National Ports Authority, tel +27 11 351 9023 or fax +27 11 351 9001.
mail ayanda.vilakazi@coega.co.za.