[Mossel Bay, 6 October 2023] To expand capacity, improve efficiencies and promote the long-term operation of its ship repair facility at the Port of Mossel Bay, Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) has concluded the feasibility study to rehabilitate the facility.
The project, to be implemented in September 2024, will increase the port’s slipway and cradle capacity from 200 tons to 500 tons and entails the installation of new technology, side slip, smart electrical network, and a new workshop.
Despite its current capacity limitations, in the 2022/23 financial year, the port almost doubled the number of vessels serviced at its ship repair facility with 20 vessels versus an average of 13 vessels in previous years. This is attributed to TNPA’s accelerated maintenance programme and quick turnaround time.
“The increase in utilisation of the port’s ship repair facility can only be taken to greater highs by the successful implementation of the rehabilitation project. We are certain that a bigger and better facility will have immense benefits for locals and key industry role players,” said TNPA’s Port Manager for the Port of Mossel Bay, Dr Dineo Mazibuko.
Beyond its critical function in preserving maritime assets, the Port of Mossel Bay’s ship repair facility serves as a contributor to job creation and economic growth of the Garden Route District.
Detailed designs will be reviewed by end October 2023 and an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) will be conducted prior to project commencement in compliance with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment (DFFE).
Whilst the facility will be out of commission during project implementation, industry role players can look forward to even more improved services once it is commissioned.
