South Africa – Prince Edward Graving Dock welcomes 228-metre tanker for major maintenance project

Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) has successfully docked the 228-metre Marshall Islands-flagged crude oil tanker Troy at the historic Prince Edward Graving Dock in the Port of Durban. It is the first vessel of this size to use the ship repair facility in more than a decade, highlighting the dock’s enhanced capabilities.

The successful docking underscores the increased capacity of the graving dock following extensive infrastructure upgrades and reaffirms its position as one of Africa’s leading ship repair facilities. It also demonstrates the dock’s ability to safely accommodate large, technically complex vessels operating on international shipping routes.

With a 32.2-metre beam and a deadweight capacity of 73,180 tonnes, Troy is among the longest vessels ever accommodated at the Prince Edward Graving Dock.

Over the next ten days, the vessel will undergo essential maintenance work and statutory inspections. These operations will help strengthen specialised maritime skills, create jobs and stimulate the local ship repair value chain.

The project is expected to generate employment across the maritime repair industry while creating opportunities for contractors, equipment suppliers, logistics companies, and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

The docking also reflects the benefits of TNPA’s R200 million modernisation programme at the Prince Edward Graving Dock, which included the installation of seven new capstans to improve operational efficiency and productivity.

Commissioned in 1924, the Prince Edward Graving Dock remains one of Africa’s oldest and most significant ship repair facilities. It continues to support South Africa’s maritime economy and international shipping.

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.

 

“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.”