Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) has delivered six hydraulic shore tension units to the Ports of Cape Town and Ngqura, aiming to reduce shipping and cargo delays caused by high swells and adverse weather conditions.
This recent delivery increases the total number of units to 12, part of a larger batch of 52 shore tension systems procured in September 2023.
Previously, eight units were already installed at these ports. The hydraulic mooring units, placed on the quayside, help secure docked vessels by mitigating the impact of strong winds (35 to 50 knots) and sea swells exceeding 3.5 meters, common in these regions.
The mooring units are expected to enhance safety, minimize downtime, and ensure continuous operations during challenging weather conditions, ultimately reducing delays in vessel movements.
CMA CGM South Africa’s National Operations Manager, Leon Reddy, praised the impact of the new systems at the Port of Cape Town: “The introduction of these shore tension units has significantly improved vessel operations, stabilizing docked ships and reducing movement, resulting in increased productivity, shorter port stays, and lower operational costs.”
TNPA plans to allocate a total of 16 units to the Port of Cape Town (with six already delivered), 14 to the Port of Durban, eight to the Port of Port Elizabeth, six to the Port of Ngqura (all delivered), four to the Port of Saldanha, and four to the Port of Richards Bay. The remaining units will be delivered in phases, with full deployment expected by early 2025.
The acquisition is a key part of Transnet’s recovery plan, designed to improve operational efficiency and enhance service delivery for customers.
