The Department of Environmental Affairs has given Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) the green light to build the long-awaited R1.4-billion floating dock at the Richards Bay port.
The floating dock facility, which will be located at the port’s Small Craft Harbour, forms part of the R4.4-billion capital investment plans announced by TNPA earlier this year.
“Implementation of a floating dock has been in the pipeline for a number of years, gaining traction in 2016 when an expression of interest was issued. “At the time, 23 interested parties attended the site briefing, while 11 submissions were received, from ship/rig repair players, consulting firms and entities interested in being service providers or subcontractors to the potential sponsor.
“Respondents were favourable towards mobilising a floating dock, provided that certain risks were addressed. TNPA will approach this project in two streams, namely the infrastructure development and a concession to a private-sector operator to supply and operate a floating dock,” Richards Bay port manager Thami Sithole said last week.
TNPA would support this initiative by undertaking the dredging, marine infrastructure and bulk landside infrastructure developments.
The project is expected to create about 1 000 direct and indirect jobs, with a current targeted operational date of April 2022.