Cape town: Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) has unveiled a R120 million locally built multi-purpose vessel, a crucial addition to its marine fleet at the Port of Cape Town. This development marks another significant milestone in the execution of the TNPA’s ongoing Marine Fleet Renewal Programme, which aims to increase the availability of the marine fleet at South Africa’s commercial seaports.
According to South African Government News Agency, the vessel was constructed by Damen Shipyards Cape Town and is a multi-functional seagoing craft designed to support maintenance activities and enhance environmental management, including pollution control and oil spill response within the port. The vessel is designed to remove debris, conduct maintenance dredging, and perform quay-wall repairs. Additionally, it will assist in lighthouse maintenance and carry out upkeep tasks such as fender replacement and minor dredging activities.
During a christening ceremony held at the shipyard, TNPA named and christened the vessel “Yarona,” a Setswana name which means “Ours.” The name was chosen by a TNPA employee through an internal competition. A christening ceremony is a maritime tradition for launching a vessel, believed to bestow fortune and ensure safe voyage for the vessel and its crew.
Speaking at the ceremony, Transnet Group Chief Operating Officer, Solly Letsoalo, emphasized the importance of infrastructure-led growth and a commitment to reliable and efficient operations across Transnet’s operations. He stated, ‘As Transnet, we remain focused on modernising our fleet and ensuring fit-for-purpose infrastructure to meet the needs of our customers and the broader South African economy.’
Measuring 19.05 metres in length with a beam of 8.36 metres, the vessel features an all-welded steel hull and superstructure for enhanced durability in harsh harbour conditions, ensuring a quicker and effective response when called upon by port users to remove navigation hazards.
Sefale Montsi, Damen Shipyards Cape Town Director, highlighted the significance of building vessels in Africa for Africa, underscoring the commitment to localisation and supplier development while contributing to job creation and skills development in the local maritime sector. The project has been beneficial to both men and women, focusing on individuals from previously disadvantaged communities and with youth well-represented among the team.
The 14-month construction period significantly impacted local employment by creating approximately 18 job opportunities for the community. Once operational, the multi-purpose vessel will employ three new crew members from TNPA, in addition to the two crew members who were aboard the old vessel.