The Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) will, in June, take delivery of two new helicopters to service the Ports of Durban and Richards Bay.

Italian company Leonardo manufactured the AgustaWestland AW109SP helicopters, valued at around R250-million, at its plant in Vergiate, Italy.

TNPA acting CE Nozipho Mdawe said the new helicopters would help TNPA improve ship turnaround times and the overall reliability of its marine service at the ports of Durban and Richards Bay.

“This, in turn, will have benefits for our customers, the shipping lines and the global competitiveness of our ports.

“As TNPA, we are delighted that we are now so close to being in a position to respond to long-time industry calls for a more efficient and reliable marine pilot service in our ports of Durban and Richards Bay,” she said.

These are currently the only ports in the complementary port system that use helicopters to transfer marine pilots onto and off visiting vessels. The TNPA is considering introducing the service at the Port of Cape Town as well, to counter weather-related disruptions, where major swells impact on the availability of service during stormy conditions.

South Africa pioneered the concept of transferring marine pilots to and from vessels by helicopter and is understood to be one of only three countries in the world that offer the service, according to a TNPA release.

The TNPA has an existing fleet of three AW109 helicopters that are reaching the end of their life cycle. The procurement of the two new helicopters forms part of the TNPA’s fleet renewal programme.

The AW109SP is a modern top-of-the-range light twin-engine helicopter with excellent operational flexibility, as well as high safety levels through advanced navigation and situational awareness technology. 

The two new AW109SP’s are equipped with a Harbour Pilot Shuttle Kit, which features a hoist that enables this distinctive operation, as well as several other installations unique to Transnet’s aircraft.

The contract for the new helicopters includes a 25% supplier development obligation by the global supplier to ensure that the contract creates socioeconomic benefits within South Africa. These would include job creation, skills development and, where possible, the use of local, empowered companies and local materials or parts.