TNPA South Africa orders pilot cutter and tugboat from Damen Shipyards

The Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) in South Africa has ordered a Pilot Cutter 2706 and its fifth Stan Tug 2006 with Damen Shipyards Cape Town for operations in the expanding Port of Saldanha (South Africa). Both vessels have been specifically designed for the South African market. The Pilot Cutter 2706 will be delivered in May 2013 and the tug in March 2013.

TNPA already operates four Damen Stan Tugs in South Africa. The STu 2006 is an enlarged design, based on the STu 1906. This parent vessel was adapted to the specific needs of the South African ports, namely increased payload and hull speed as well as increased stern gear protection while handling submerged equipment.

The new tug will be used for general port services and pilot duties in Saldanha, South Africa’s largest deepwater port. Under a recently started programme by President Zuma, aimed at investing in infrastructure and generating jobs, Saldanha’s port is expanding rapidly. Currently the port’s main export product is iron ore, while its main import product is oil.

Pilot Cutter renewal programme

Embracing this initiative, TNPA has decided on a renewal programme of, amongst others, its pilot boats. The new Pilot Cutter 2706 has been designed by Damen Shipyards Cape Town (DSCT) in conjunction with Triton Naval Architects, and is customized for South African conditions. There is, for example, an entrance channel to the Port of Saldanha which is fairly narrow for large ships. Hence, the pilots board incoming vessels as far as 10-15 miles from the harbour entrance. This service condition has resulted in a specific hull shape capable of handling the adverse sea conditions experienced further out, whilst still maintaining speed. The interior design (bridge, propulsion, HVAC, etc.) is based on long-standing and proven technology of Damen pilot boats.

Cape Town

Both vessels will be built at DSCT. Recently the yard has started an expansion programme with the building of a new vessel construction shed and office/workshop building to cater for increased demand and growing work force. DSCT has furthermore established its own Apprentice Training Centre in order to provide government recognised training and qualification for welders and boiler makers so as to add capacity and create sustainable employment opportunities.

DAMEN Shipyards Cape Town: building in Africa for Africa

DAMEN Shipyards Cape Town (DSCT) is part of the DAMEN Shipyards Group. DAMEN employs over 6,000 people, operates 40 shipyards worldwide and delivers up to 150 vessels every year. Based on its unique, standardised ship-design concept and short delivery times, DAMEN is able to guarantee consistent quality.

DSCT builds offshore patrol vessels, dredgers, tugs, naval craft and platform supply vessels, especially for clients on the African continent. With a BBBEE-rating of 3 and a substantial NIP-offset, Damen is truly embedded in South Africa and committed to building high-quality ships.

DAMEN Shipyards Group

Damen’s focus on standardisation and modular construction leads to short delivery times (Damen keeps vessels in stock), low ‘total cost of ownership’, high resale value, proven technology and reliable performance. Damen offers a wide range of products, including: tugs, workboats, patrol vessels, high speed craft, cargo vessels, dredgers, offshore support vessels, oil-spill response vessels and even frigates and super yachts. In addition to shipbuilding, Damen offers efficient customer support, customer financing and complete lifecycle service.