Sandock Austral Shipyards marked a significant milestone for the local shipbuilding and maritime landscape on the 5th of August 2024 as they launched two locally built boats “Queen Modjadji” and “Noah“.
These boats will enhance the marine operations of Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) at the Port of Cape Town. The christening ceremony at Sandock Austral Shipyards in Durban featured the Acting Port Manager of Cape Town Ms. Ophelia Shabane as the Lady Sponsor, who unveiled the vessels’ names.
Expressing her excitement about this milestone for the local maritime industry. Ms. Zenzile Gwamanda, Managing Director of the eThekwini Maritime Cluster, said, “As the Managing Director of the eThekwini Maritime Cluster, I am thrilled to witness the christening of these two new launched boats built by Sandock Austral Shipyards.
This milestone not only signifies a significant achievement for the local maritime industry but also underscores the region’s capability to produce high-quality marine vessels.”
Enhancing Transnet’s marine operations
The acquisition of these new boats is part of TNPA’s Marine Fleet Renewal program, aimed at improving shipping efficiency across South African ports. This initiative is a key component of TNPA’s strategic goals within the broader Transnet Recovery Plan.
The new boats will play a crucial role in port operations, assisting in towing and guiding vessels through narrow sea channels, handling mooring lines, and facilitating the docking, sailing, and repositioning of smaller vessels, including fishing boats.
Ms. Gwamanda emphasized the broader impact of this achievement, noting, “The deployment of these boats to the Port of Cape Town highlights the collaborative efforts within South Africa to enhance port operations and maritime efficiency.
This accomplishment means job creation, skills development, and economic growth, reflecting our commitment to fostering a robust maritime sector that benefits the entire region.”
A local collaborative effort
The christening ceremony was attended by notable industry stakeholders, including Rev. Musa Zondi, KZN MEC for Economic Development, Tourism, and Environmental Affairs; Cllr Thembubuhle Ntuli, eThekwini Municipality EXCO Member and Chairperson for Economic Development, Tourism, and Environmental Affairs; SAS CEO Prasheen Maharaj; TNPA representatives; and eThekwini Maritime Cluster executives and management.
These additions signify TNPA’s ongoing commitment to enhancing maritime operations and supporting the region’s economic development through improved port efficiencies. The new boats, constructed and delivered by Sandock Austral Shipyards (SAS), replace two launches that have been in operation for over 40 years, ensuring that the port’s marine fleet remains fit-for-purpose.
Technical excellence and workforce development
The project, awarded to SAS in November 2022 with a contract valued at approximately R58 million, was completed per the rules of Bureau Veritas Class notation and SAMSA requirements. SAS, a fully accredited shipbuilding and ship repair facility, executed a significant portion of the work with support from specialist service providers.
This endeavor generated approximately 70 direct jobs and 40 indirect jobs through SAS contractors. Additionally, it provided practical on-the-job training for 20 apprentices, offering them invaluable opportunities to apply newly acquired theoretical skills from classroom training at SAS’s accredited in-house Apprentice Learning and Development Centre.
Prasheen Maharaj, CEO of Sandock Austral Shipyards, expressed pride in the project, stating, “We welcome the opportunity to assist TNPA with the replenishment of its marine fleet under the TNPA Marine Fleet Renewal program and Transnet Recovery Plan. SAS continues to play a pivotal role in engineering and manufacturing multipurpose vessels for TNPA, many of which still provide critical service to ports around the country.”
The christening of Queen Modjadji and Noah marks a promising future for TNPA’s marine operations, reinforcing the authority’s dedication to improving operational efficiencies and meeting industry demands.
This achievement not only benefits the local maritime sector but also contributes to the broader economic growth and development of the region.
