The Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) is set to improve its dredging capacity with the installation of a new marine excavator on the Italeni, a Grab Hopper Dredger.
It is used by the ports authority to maintain the promulgated depth of port berths, basin and entrance channels necessary for the safe navigation of vessels in the ports.
The installation of this cutting-edge technology will boost dredging volumes and increase efficiency at South Africa’s commercial seaports.
A marine excavator is a specialised technological machinery that is used to improve dredging operations while ensuring safe and sustainable practises of marine and coastal environments.
With an investment value of R76 million, the newly installed excavator is designed to grab dredged material weighing up to 2000kg at a radius of at least 20 meters.
The upgrade will enable the Italeni to efficiently handle dredged volumes of 150 000 cubic meters (m³), a significantly increase from its annual capacity from 94 000 m³.
The upgrade replaces the excavator fitted in 2014 that has reached its operational lifespan. This feature bolsters berth availability to meet the increasing demand of larger vessels calling into South African ports.
"The Italeni upgrade enables TNPA’s strategic intent of creating a smart port system through harnessing innovation and technology.
“Coupled with enhancing the dredger’s capability to dredge the ports to the required depth, the new marine excavator will ensure that our waterside infrastructure remains competitive by improving TNPA’s customer service offering," said Phyllis Difeto Acting TNPA Chief Executive.
Italeni is the only dredging vessel in South Africa capable of accessing confined berths and quay walls, distinguishing the craft from the rest of TNPA’s dredging fleet necessary for maintenance work.
Through its Dredging Services business unit, TNPA is actively optimising port depth to ensure the provision of commercially viable berths to its shipping and terminal operation customers.
The installed machinery adheres to the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) regulations and the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) legislation regarding carbon emissions. – SAnews.gov.za
