The Indlazi tug
The tug Indlazi has been released to the Port of Durban from the Port of Richards Bay, as a temporary measure to respond to the recent spike in shipping delays while the Port of Durban continues to set in motion plans to deal with its marine craft availability, says Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA).
This interim arrangement will help the Port of Durban respond to industry demands for efficient and effective marine operations where vessels are turned around on time to ultimately deliver on the port’s core mandate, namely to facilitate import and export trade in the country.
“We needed to respond with speed while we continue firming up our plans for the port’s marine fleet and this interim arrangement was made through TNPA’s complementary port system strategy,” says Durban port manager Mpumi Dweba-Kwetana.
Short-term plans at the Port of Durban include the exploration of chartered marine crafts in a case where port craft experience technical challenges.
Over the medium term, TNPA is undergoing a fleet replacement programme, which will result in the delivery of an additional two tugs for the Port of Durban.
The Port of Durban continues to engage stakeholders on viable initiatives to improve on port operations and ensure the highest level of service to the industry.
“The provision of adequate marine infrastructure is core to our business and we are working with the teams on the ground to ensure these are delivered reliably and timeously to ensure economic activity on our part as the ports,” Dweba-Kwetana says.