The new tug jetty at the Port of Durban
The Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) has completed the construction of a new tug jetty at the Port of Durban to enable a quicker turnaround time for larger vessels that require additional tugs.
The R127-million project formed part of the KwaZulu-Natal Port Master Plan, aimed at positioning the Durban port as an international container hub.
As part of the project, the draft limitations and berthing space constraints have been eliminated and the port will now have sufficient berthing space and be able to consolidate the berthing of its marine fleet, which will increase operational efficiencies.
“The completion of the tug jetty project is a great milestone for the Port of Durban. The port now has a complement of 18 marine fleet which includes tugs, launches, pilot boats, a floating crane and a work boat.
"The older jetty could only accommodate 13 marine vessels, and the balance of the fleet was required to be berthed in other areas within the port. The new jetty makes the marine craft easily available to operations,” says Port of Durban manager Mpumi Dweba-Kwetana.