The Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) is set to improve its dredging capacity with the installation of a new marine excavator on the Italeni, a grab hopper dredger.
According to TNPA, it is used by the ports authority to maintain the promulgated depth of port berths, basin and entrance channels necessary for the safe navigation of vessels in the ports.
The installation of this technology will boost dredging volumes and increase efficiency at South Africa’s commercial seaports, the company said.
A marine excavator is a specialised technological machinery that is used to improve dredging operations while ensuring safe and sustainable practises of marine and coastal environments.
With an investment value of R76 million ($4.1 million), the newly installed excavator is designed to grab dredged material weighing up to 2 tons at a radius of at least 20 meters.
The upgrade will enable the Italeni to efficiently handle dredged volumes of 150.000 cubic meters, a significantly increase from its annual capacity from 94.000 m³.
The upgrade replaces the excavator fitted in 2014 that has reached its operational lifespan.