Demand for ship repair services in Cape Town has increased to such an extent that some facilities are fully booked through to the end of next year, prompting the Transnet National Ports Authority TNPA to prepare a request for proposals for a privately operated floating dock.
The move forms part of a broader strategy to expand repair capacity and position Cape Town as a leading ship repair hub in Africa. The ship repair sector is being re-examined as we realise it is a good driver of economic growth, Ophelia Shabane, acting port manager at the Port of Cape Town, said during her address at the annual Oceans Economy conference, which was held in Cape Town last week.
South Africas ship repair capability is spread across several ports, with facilities in Durban, East London, Gqeberha, Mossel Bay and Cape Town supporting a range of activities, from vessel maintenance and marine manufacturing to fishing and offshore services.
