Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) has christened two new launch boats, built by the Sandock Austral Shipyards (SAS) in Durban, and destined for the Port of Cape Town.

This is part of TNPA’s move to fast-track its operational efficiency.

This acquisition forms part of the TNPA Marine Fleet Renewal programme, which is aimed at improving shipping efficiencies at South African ports by increasing marine craft availability.

The TNPA Marine Fleet Renewal programme is one of TNPA’s strategic deliverables in the Transnet Recovery Plan.

The christening ceremony is a maritime tradition for launching a vessel, believed to bestow fortune and a safe voyage to the vessel, as well as its crew.

This milestone follows a building period that began after TNPA awarded SAS a contract of about R58-million in November 2022, to build and deliver two new launch boats destined for the Port of Cape Town.

“The arrival of these new crafts comes at an opportune time when TNPA is executing the Transnet Recovery Plan, through the acquisition of a fit-for-purpose marine fleet to improve operational efficiencies. This also aligns with our commitment to meeting industry demands in the western region,” TNPA Cape Town acting port manager Ophelia Shabane said in her keynote address at the christening ceremony.

A launch boat plays a crucial part in port operations, as it is the only craft that can assist in towing and pulling vessels into confined sea channels.

It is also used to run mooring lines and assists in docking, sailing and shifting of fishing and other smaller vessels within the port.

“The physical size of the launch boats makes them a key asset to the port as the only craft that can access certain channels. Being a multifaceted port, which requires a diverse marine fleet to accommodate various customer needs and service a niche market of fishing vessels, is critical to port operations,” Shabane explained.

“The new launches are integral to the seamless functioning of marine operations and will result in improved service delivery, operational performance and increased efficiency,” she added. 

The new launch boats replace the existing two that are over 40 years old and have reached operational and design lifespan, the entity informs.

“We welcome an opportunity to assist TNPA with the replenishment of its marine fleet under the TNPA Marine Fleet Renewal programme and Transnet Recovery Plan. SAS continues to play a pivotal role in the engineering and manufacturing of multiple purpose vessels for TNPA, many of which still provide a critical service to ports around the country,” SAS CEO Prasheen Maharaj said.

The design of the launch boats is in accordance with the rules of Bureau Veritas Class notation and South African Maritime Safety Authority​ requirements for this type of vessel.

SAS, a fully accredited shipbuilding and ship repair facility, holding various International Organisation for Standardisation accreditations, undertook a large part of the manufacturing work with support from its specialist service providers.

The project created about 70 direct jobs and 40 indirect jobs through the SAS contractors.

The project has also supported the practical on-the-job training of 20 apprentices, who were able to apply newly acquired theoretical skills from the classroom training acquired within the SAS-accredited in-house Apprentice Learning and Development Centre.

“I would like to thank and acknowledge SA Shipyards Durban for their technical proficiency and innovative approach to shipbuilding. As the largest shipbuilder in Southern Africa, their extensive industry experience and dedication assure us of the exceptional quality of their work,” Shabane said.