In order to draw more vessels into the facility, the pump house modifications are expected to boost productivity and dramatically reduce docking and undocking turnaround times.

The dry dock’s existing pump house system, which has been in service for more than 60 years, was initially intended to empty the dock in eight hours; however, the installation of the new contemporary and semi-automated pump house station will cut the hours to four.

Due to the significant improvement in productivity, vessels calling at the dock can be serviced more effectively.

For nearly 93 years, the pump house and the supporting infrastructure, including the gate valves, ball valves, and penstock valves, have kept the graving dock dry. Due to the pumps’ advancing age, it has taken longer to empty the dock over time, which has reduced efficiency.

The creation of the dry dock pump house station is a component of Operation Phakisa, which was launched in 2014 with the goals of boosting economic growth and implementing solutions to pressing development-related problems as quickly as possible.

These include unemployment, poverty, and inequality, while also considering a unique and ground-breaking method to turn thorough ideas into tangible outcomes through focused execution and collaboration.

“The Port of Durban’s Bayhead precinct was the key focus area under Operation Phakisa with projects such as the rehabilitation of the inner and outer caissons, equipment upgrade for Workshop 24, and the upgrading of the fire system in the dry dock having been identified and completed,” said Mpumi Dweba-Kwetana, Port Manager at the Port of Durban.

“Our investment into our infrastructure will enable us to retain our current customer base and attract new business – creating thousands of direct and indirect jobs in Durban,” she added.