South Africa’s Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) reports that it has successfully docked a 228-m oil tanker at the Port of Durban’s historic Prince Edward Graving Dock, which was first commissioned in 1924.
The Marshall Islands-flagged tanker, Troy, is 228 m in length, has an extreme breadth of 32.2 m, a deadweight capacity of 73 180 t, and is the first vessel of its size to utilise the ship repair facility in more than a decade.
TNPA said in a statement that the milestone demonstrated the continued capability of one of Africa's oldest ship repair facilities and also reflected the impact of ongoing investment to modernise the Prince Edward Graving Dock.
“Recent infrastructure upgrades, including the installation of seven new capstans as part of TNPA's R200-million modernisation initiative, have enhanced the dock's productivity and operational efficiency, enabling it to continue accommodating large commercial vessels,” TNPA said.
It added that the Prince Edward Graving Dock would, over a ten-day period, become a hub of specialised maritime activity as teams conducted the maintenance, repairs and statutory inspections required for the vessel's continued operation.
