Saldanha Bay is set to benefit financially from a R9.65-billion investment in infrastructure projects from the Transnet National Ports Authority.
The investment is aimed at enhancing the deep-water port’s ability to service the offshore oil and gas industry. Speaking at press conference on Monday, Willem Roux, Saldanha Bay port manager said the TNPA sees an opportunity in serving the oil rigs operating on the west and east coasts of Africa, BDlive reported. Roux said about 120 oil rigs passed South Africa’s coastline annually but most were unable to obtain services in Saldanha as the port was not equipped to meet the demands from the sector.
“We know if we do not use this opportunity now to capture this market, other ports in the southern hemisphere will gear themselves to capture it.”
The TNPA has issued tenders to invite public-private sector participation in the projects. According to BDlive, these include:- the construction of a new rig repair quay, 380m long and 21m deep, to serve modern rigs that require extra depth. The quay will be able to serve two rigs simultaneously
- lengthening of the Mossgas quay from 38m to 500m, with a depth of 8.5m. This will allow it to accommodate floating docks
- building of an offshore supply base which will serve as a one-stop shop to supply oil rigs with services such as food, materials and waste collection.
