Page 64: of Maritime Reporter Magazine (December 2015)

BOAT OF THE MONTH

South African Boatbuilding ... ransnet National Ports Authority an- “The building of MVEZO and the eight other nounced a milestone in its $98 million tugs in this project, demonstrates that this country tug building contract when the ? rst of its has the expertise to compete in the global ship-

Tnine new tugboats was launched at the building industry and to use the maritime economy

Durban premises of contractor, Southern African to unlock the economic potential of South Africa,

Shipyards. in line with the government’s Operation Phakisa “This is the largest single contract TNPA has ever initiative,” said Vallihu. awarded to a South African company for the build- MVEZO is expected to be delivered to the Port of ing of harbor craft,” said TNPA chief executive, Port Elizabeth in February 2016, followed by a new

Richard Vallihu. boat every three months until all nine are delivered

The tug was named ‘MVEZO’ in reference to the in 2018.

small village in the Eastern Cape of South Africa where former President, the late Nelson Mandela, was born. The boa’s sponsor was Lauriette Sesoko, The $98M Project

TNPA GM Commercial & Marketing, who of? cial- The tug building project kicked off in August ly named the vessel. 2014, and given the tight delivery schedule ? ve tugs

Photos courtesy of Southern African Shipyards 64 Maritime Reporter & Engineering News • DECEMBER 2015

MR #12 (58-65).indd 64 12/4/2015 2:16:58 PM