Durban docks largest oil tanker for repairs in over a decade

Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) successfully docked the 228-metre Marshall Islands-flagged crude oil tanker Troy at the Port of Durban’s Prince Edward Graving Dock this week.

The arrival marks the first vessel of this scale to utilise the century-old ship repair facility on South Africa’s east coast in more than 10 years, serving as a operational milestone for the port following capital investments.

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In addition to its 228 metre length, Troy has a 32.2-metre extreme breadth and a deadweight capacity of 73 180 tonnes, ranking it among the longest vessels ever handled by the graving dock.

TNPA said that the successful docking demonstrates the site’s current capacity to safely accommodate large, technically complex commercial ships serving global trade corridors.

It added that Troy’s arrival reflects early operational gains from TNPA’s broader R200 million modernisation project aimed at revitalising the Prince Edward Graving Dock.

Recent infrastructure work includes the installation of seven new capstans, which have boosted productivity and operational efficiency across the facility.

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“Originally commissioned in 1924, the dock remains one of Africa’s oldest and most strategically significant ship repair assets,” according to TNPA.

Maritime value chain 

Over a 10-day period, the facility will serve as an active hub for specialised engineering, executing mandatory statutory inspections, essential maintenance, and technical repairs required for Troy’s ongoing operations.

The project is set to generate commercial activity across the broader ship repair ecosystem in Durban, driving demand for specialised maritime skills while creating supply chain opportunities for contractors, equipment suppliers, logistics vendors, and local small and medium-sized enterprises.

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Highlighting the broader economic ripple effects, Durban Port manager Mpumi Dweba-Kwetana said: “Every vessel entering Prince Edward Graving Dock is more than a maintenance project. It supports specialised maritime skills, creates jobs, strengthens local industries and reinforces Durban’s reputation as a preferred ship repair destination.”

Looking beyond current operations, TNPA confirmed that further capital projects are planned to expand ship repair throughput at the Durban Port.

“Continued investment in our infrastructure, including plans for a new graving dock and ship lift, will expand our ship repair capacity and ensure the port remains well-positioned to meet future industry demand,” Dweba-Kwetana said.

Listen to Jimmy Moyaha speaking to incoming TNPA CEO Mohammed Abdool on SAfm Market Update (or read the transcript here): 

You can also listen to this podcast on iono.fm here.

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