In another milestone for local marine manufacturing Sandock Austral Shipyards has completed two new launch boats that form part of TNPA’s Marine Fleet Renewal Programme. The boats were christened in Cape Town in early August to conclude the R58-million contract awarded in November 2022.
The project generated about 70 direct jobs and 40 indirect jobs through the SAS contractors, TNPA and SAS said in a joint press release issued on the day of the christening ceremony. “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,” said SAS chief executive officer Prasheen Maharaj. “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.”
He said SAS undertook a large part of the manufacturing work itself, with support from specialist service providers.
The launch boats will assist port operations by helping to tow and pull vessels into confined sea channels. They also run mooring lines and assist in docking and shifting of smaller vessels within the port.
In her delivery of a keynote address at the Christening Ceremony, TNPA Acting Port Manager for Cape Town, Ophelia Shabane said: “The arrival of these new crafts comes at an opportune time when TNPA is executing the Transnet Recovery Plan, through the acquisition of fit-for-purpose marine fleet to improve operational efficiencies. This also aligns with our commitment to meeting industry demands in the western region.”