UMBILO

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Two New Tugs for KZN Ports

Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) celebrated a twin milestone for its KwaZulu-Natal ports as part of its R1.4 billion ($106.3 million), nine-tug construction contract. On Thursday, 22 August the new USIBA tug was christened and named ahead of its delivery to the Port of Richards Bay, while the Port of Durban took delivery of its Umbilo tug which had been launched and named in May. The vessels are the sixth and seventh respectively to roll off the production line on time and within budget. All nine tugs are being built by Southern African Shipyards in Durban. The name Usiba is derived from the isiZulu word for the Black-crowned Night-Heron, but can also refer to a feather. The Port of Richards Bay has a tradition of naming its marine fleet after treasured South African birds, such as the Ukhozi tug (eagle) and the older Indwe (blue crane). https://www.marinelink.com/news/ports-tugs-new428649