Call for dry dock input

INPUT is being invited into the Port of Richards Bay’s proposed floating ship repair facility, part of a substantial R4.4-billion capital investment budget over the next seven years.

Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) has commissioned Sivest to undertake the Basic Assessment Process (BA) for the project.

This public participation process entails inviting comment from interested and affected parties

The project falls under the Operation Phakisa programme, part of the Oceans Economy drive targeting job creation and economic growth relating to the oil, gas and vessel repair sector.

The ship repair facility, or floating dry dock, will serve cargo vessels calling at Richards Bay and Durban, as well as offshore supply vessels servicing vessels deployed on offshore oil and gas fields on the eastern coast.

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At a cost of about R1-billion, TNPA will be upgrading and expanding the existing repair quay in the Small Craft Harbour to accommodate Capesize vessels – bulk carriers and tankers typically above 150 000 deadweight tonnage.

The depth at the berth will be increased to 18 metres.

A fully fledged dry dock (graving dock) will be considered at a future date and is earmarked to be located in the casuarinas area.

Information gleaned from the BA will be forwarded to the competent authority, in this case the Department of Environmental Affairs.

A number of environmental issues have been identified for investigation, including estuarine impact assessment; disposal of dredged material; air, noise and traffic impact; and underwater heritage impact.

Notices of public meetings will be issued.

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