Several major infrastructure and equipment projects at the
Port of East London have seen Transnet pump a collective R542 million into South Africa’s only river port in the
last few years. The latest project – rehabilitation of the sheet pile wharf adjacent to the dry dock – was completed
earlier this month, with labour and material sourced locally.
The R108 million project set out to rehabilitate the 83 metre wharf adjacent to the Princess Elizabeth Dry Dock
and Latimer’s Landing. With multiple functions including use as a ship repair facility and for berthing small craft,
the wharf will support the port’s Operation Phakisa ambitions focusing on marine transport and manufacturing.
Construction contractor Haw & Inglis sourced labour and material locally in line with Transnet’s supplier
development requirements, while preliminary investigations, engineering design and site supervision were
undertaken by the East London Aurecon office.
Acting Port Manager, Alvin Singama, said this was one of several projects aimed at refurbishing and modernising
the port’s infrastructure to sustain existing business and cargo, while simultaneously positioning for future growth.
“The port is gearing up to further enhance its capacity with an expansion of its automotive facilities and the
upgrade of maritime engineering offerings in line with Operation Phakisa,” said Singama.
Operation Phakisa is a programme introduced by the South African government to unlock the economic potential
of the country’s oceans. In East London it includes refurbishment of the dry dock at a total cost of R219 million
to support ship repair and marine manufacturing. The total dry dock refurbishment project is expected to be
completed in 2021, with new switchgear and crane rails already completed. The initiative to establish a boat
building cluster at the port has however been negatively impacted by the worldwide economic slowdown.
“Nevertheless, there is still potential to grow volumes and expand business in the port, which will have a positive
socio-economic impact on the city,” said Singama.
Other investments already completed at the port earlier this year include the R176 million West Bank Foreshore
protection project. This entailed the construction of a revetment to protect the port’s foreshore and rail
infrastructure from erosion and damage caused by rough seas and wave action.
The port’s tanker berth fire protection system is also being upgraded, while port security has seen an investment
of R92m to date, with further investments on surveillance equipment underway.
The port is also replacing its rail network and refurbishing the Buffalo Bridge.
Deepening and widening of the port’s entrance channel is still in pre-feasibility stage, with TNPA exploring various
designs and layouts based on modelling and completed simulations of vessel manoeuvring.
Feasibility studies for the Latimer’s Landing jetty project have been completed and are awaiting finalisation of
approval by the Eastern Cape Heritage Resource Agency.
“We are proud to be making progress with several ongoing investments that demonstrate our commitment to the
local business community, despite a challenging economic environment. The Port of East London continues to
actively explore new markets to broaden its customer base and to diversify its cargo throughputs,” said Singama.
Source: Media Release