The Port of Saldanha
welcomes its first container carrier in recent history, the MSC Trieste as she
visits the port to undergo repairs to her main engine.
The vessel arrived safely
in the Port of Saldanha on Sunday 21 November under tow by
the tug, SA Amandla. She was safely assisted to her designated position in the
Big Bay Anchorage area inside the port by three harbour tugs, the Osprey,
Cormorant and Chardonnay.
The visit by the
container vessel demonstrates that international partners view Saldanha as a port
of choice to undertake repairs for large vessels that would otherwise not be accommodated
elsewhere along the coast owing to their size. As a result of its geographical
position, deep-water status and sheltered inner anchorage; the port is attractive
to large vessels requiring repairs, underwater inspections, and all other auxiliary
services.
The MSC Trieste’s last
port was Singapore and she is expected to proceed with her journey as per her delivery
commitments on completion of her repairs. Much work related to her repairs is
to be done over the course of her stay at the Port of Saldanha and this is to
ensure that she is fully operational and ready for duty once again.
During her stay in
port, the 365,50m long; 15,80m deep even keel MSC Trieste shall remain
under vigilant watch by her Master, the Ports Authority and the South African
Maritime Safety Authority.
