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 about R1.5-billion.
Duration
The first tug was launched in November 2015, with the last expected to be handed over in the first quarter of 2018.
Latest Developments
The TNPA launched two tugboats – Qunu and Cormorant – on May 6, as part of its R1.4-billion contract to procure nine tugboats from Durban shipbuilder Southern African Shipyards.
The contract is the largest single contract TNPA has ever awarded to a South African company.
Tug Qunu will be allocated to the Port of Port Elizabeth alongside her sister tug Mvezo, which was the first tug to roll off the production line in April.
Qunu will be handed over in June, while Cormorant is destined for the Port of Saldanha Bay in July.
There will be handovers every three months until the last tug is launched in early 2018.
Key Contracts and Suppliers
Southern African Shipyards (tugboat construction); Barloworld Equipment, Siemens, Voith Schneider, local contractors Bradgary Marine Shopfitters (subcontractors), and Aveng Grinaker-LTA (mechanical and electrical contracts).
On Budget and on Time?
The project is on time and on budget.
Contact Details for Project Information
TNPA, tel +27 11 351 9023 or fax +27 11 351 9001.