KwaZulu-Natal’s Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (Edtea) MEC Reverend Musa Zondi on Monday said the christening of two Transnet launch boats in Durban was great news for the province’s economy.
Transnet said that the boats “Queen Modjadji” and “Noah” were destined for the Port of Cape Town to help improve efficiency and form part of the parastatal’s recovery plan.
The two launch boats were built by Durban-based Sandock Austral Shipyards (SAS), which was awarded a contract worth approximately R58 million by Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) in November 2022.
Zondi described Monday as one of the most important dates in the history of the maritime sector, saying the construction of these vessels demonstrated the power of the country, and the strength of the province.
“It shows that any large construction work can be carried out in KwaZulu-Natal today. This is a true testament that our continent presents a tremendous opportunity to grow exports given the comparatively low logistics costs. This is a definite comparative advantage.”
Zondi said enhancing vessel efficiency was crucial for the economy.
“Enhanced efficiency can lower operational costs for shipping companies. Fuel is a major expense in maritime transport and more efficient vessels consume less fuel, translating into substantial cost-savings. Additionally, efficient logistics and faster transit times can improve service reliability and customer satisfaction.
“Investing in the development and deployment of more efficient vessels is not only beneficial for individual shipping companies but also crucial for the sustainability and growth of the global maritime industry,” said Zondi.
Prasheen Maharaj, CEO of SAS, said the construction of the harbour work boats in South Africa holds profound significance, “extending far beyond the immediate benefits to Transnet’s operations”.
Maharaj said the shipbuilding industry is a powerful engine for economic growth, creating a ripple effect that stimulates numerous sectors.
“Building ships locally strengthens our domestic supply chains, ensuring a more reliable and efficient flow of goods and services. This enhanced resilience is particularly crucial in times of global disruptions, as we have witnessed in recent years.”
Ophelia Shabane, TNPA’s acting port manager for Cape Town, said the arrival of the new vessels 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.”
Shabane said that 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 delivery of the new launch boats replaces the existing two launches.
“We welcome an opportunity to assist TNPA with the replenishment of its marine fleet under the TNPA Marine Fleet Renewal Programme and the Transnet Recovery Plan. SAS continues to play a pivotal role in the engineering and manufacturing of multiple purpose vessels for TNPA,” Shabane said.
Councillor Thembo Ntuli, chairperson of eThekwini’s economic development and planning committee, congratulated SAS and Transnet on the milestone.
“For us as the City, this achievement bodes well for our economy ... We regard the Port of Durban as an economic engine and the government will continue to work with business and stakeholders to ensure that the port is functioning as the economic hub,” Ntuli said.
The Mercury