TNPA confirms privately-operated floating drydock for Cape Town Port

Cape Town Port has confirmed plans for a privately-operated floating drydock.  

The new facility is expected to significantly bolster the Port’s ship repair capabilities which have battled to keep up with industry demand. 

Transnet National Ports Authority also reports progress with major repairs at the Port’s Sturrock and Robinson drydocks, with work at Robinson drydock expected to be complete by mid 2026.    

“I'm very exicted to report that port leadership has taken a decision to issue a RFP for a floating drydock in the Port of Cape Town that will be privately operated -- and it will definitely increase our capacity in terms of ship repair facilities,” TNPA's Sikhokhele Mngoma said last week at the Port’s monthly Port Liaison Forum meeting.  

In addition to the new floating drydock, TNPA had finalised a tender for a new floating caisson for the Sturrock drydock, with completion expected in two years' time. The Robinson drydock caisson repair project was already 40% complete, Mngoma said.  

The PLF was set up to represent all Port stakeholders in the shared pursuit of greater Port efficiency. In recent years it has helped tackle systemic challenges such as Port congestion and maintenance delays. 

PLF chairperson Terry Gale said drydock investment was welcome news for the ship repair sector, particularly in light of competition from other ports, notably Walvis Bay.