The new vessel repair facilities in the Port of PE were not only developed as a positive step towards a thriving vessel maintenance and marine engineering hub, but also to boost the local economy in the long term.
With the final part of this R200 million project completed about a year ago, it is now showing a return on investment. “We have serviced more than 140 local and foreign fishing vessels since the completion of the facilities in April 2016. This is in line with our expectations of the growing need among the fishing fraternity. The boat hoist is capable of lifting up to 90 ton vessels from the docking bay,” said Project Manager, Pieter-Ben van Rhijn.
Waterfront attraction
Located in the precinct envisioned to form part of the waterfront development, this buzz of activity will create the ideal attraction in a waterfront marina. It is in line with Transnet’s Smart People Port’s concept of integrating port operations and leisure and recreation.
Unlocking economic potential
The replacement of the 130 year old 1 200 ton lead-in jetties and the upgrade of the 40 ton slipway started in November 2014 as part of Operations Phakisa. This initiative focuses on unlocking the economic potential of SA’s oceans by stimulating economic growth and creating jobs. Altogether 82 direct job opportunities were created as a result of the project and indirect job opportunities to the equivalent of 19 183 man days.
The project
The project entailed the following:
Docking bay - The upgrade of the boat docking bay from where the boat hoist lifts vessels out of the water and position them on a dry platform for maintenance work. To create this facility the following work was executed:
- Installation of new piles to support the platform deck and docking bay.
- Construction of a new retaining wall and backfilling behind the retaining wall to reclaim the old 40 ton slipway.
- Construction of a new concrete slab where vessels are placed for repair.
- Installation of bollards and fenders on the mooring side of the slipway.
- Installation of high mast lights and electrical reticulation.
- Installation of new fire water piping.
- Procuring a first of its kind 90 ton boat hoist in Transnet.
- Lead-in jetties - These were demolished and rebuilt as the existing structure has been condemned due to excessive corrosion. To construct the new jetties the following work was executed:
- Demolishing of the existing South and North lead-in jetty structures.
- Installation of new piles, a concrete deck and a down haul winch house.
- Installation of bollards and fenders on the mooring side of the slipway.
- Installation of high mast lights and electrical reticulation.
- Installation of new fire water piping.
- Slipway – The project to bring the slipway cradle back to 1 200 tons is currently underway.
Other benefits
The jetties, which extend the life of the slipway, were constructed at a lower level to create much needed additional berthing space and at the same time provide opportunities to perform wet repairs. The boat maintenance slab was increased in size and can now accommodate a minimum of ten vessels at a time (depending on size), as opposed to two vessels currently accommodated on slipway. Efficiency and productivity has also improved drastically with less risk of damage.