The Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) announces the successful delivery and operationalization of the first batch of four hydraulic tension mooring units at the ports of Cape Town and Ngqura. These units are part of a larger procurement initiative by TNPA, totaling 52 units, aimed at bolstering port operations across South Africa.
The introduction of these mooring units is expected to significantly enhance operational efficiencies and mitigate shipping delays caused by adverse weather conditions. Hydraulic tension mooring units, positioned along the quayside, play a crucial role in ensuring vessel safety and minimizing the impact of long-wave effects during inclement weather. They provide stabilization for vessels alongside, particularly in the face of strong winds, adverse weather, and high swells, ultimately reducing downtime and enhancing safety during port operations.
“The delivery of these mooring units marks the commencement of a series of significant equipment installations at our commercial seaports this year,” stated Thecla Mneney, TNPA General Manager for Infrastructure. “We are committed to expediting key investments in port infrastructure to improve operational efficiencies and deliver quality service to the maritime industry.”
With the addition of these new mooring units, TNPA’s capacity to mitigate excessive surge motions of vessels alongside has been bolstered, bringing the total number of units to six at the Port of Cape Town and four at the Port of Ngqura.
TNPA’s procurement plan includes the allocation of 16 units for the Port of Cape Town, 14 for the Port of Durban, eight for the Port of Port Elizabeth, six for the Port of Ngqura, four for the Port of Saldanha, and four for the Port of Richards Bay. The phased delivery of the remaining units is scheduled for completion by early 2025.