The Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) recently announced the contribution the Port of Port Elizabeth’s vessel repair hub has made to boost the economic activity and development in the area.

According to TNPA, the facility, which was completed in April 2016, was not only developed as a positive step towards a thriving vessel maintenance and marine engineering hub, but also to boost the local economy in the long term.

With the final part of this R200 million project completed about a year ago, it is now showing a return on investment.

“We have serviced more than 140 local and foreign fishing vessels since the completion of the facilities in April 2016.

“This is in line with our expectations of the growing need among the fishing fraternity,” said , Pieter-Ben van Rhijn, Project Manager,

Van Rhijn noted, the initiative also focused on unlocking the economic potential of South Africa’s oceans by stimulating economic growth and creating jobs.

Altogether 82 direct job opportunities were created as a result of the project and indirect job opportunities to the equivalent of 19 183 man days.

Waterfront attraction

Located in the precinct envisioned to form part of the waterfront development, this buzz of activity will create the ideal attraction in a waterfront marina.

It is in line with Transnet’s Smart People Port’s concept of integrating port operations and leisure and recreation, concluded van Rhijn