One of the largest commercial vessels ever to enter Durban’s historic Prince Edward Graving Dock has arrived, marking a major milestone for South Africa’s maritime industry.
The 228-metre-long crude oil tanker Troy, sailing under the Marshall Islands flag, has docked at the Port of Durban’s Prince Edward Graving Dock, becoming the first commercial vessel of its size to use the facility in more than a decade.
With a breadth of 32.2 metres and a deadweight of 73,180 tonnes, the tanker ranks among the longest ships ever accommodated by the iconic dry dock. The successful docking also highlights the growing capability of Durban’s ship repair facilities following major infrastructure upgrades.
According to Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA), Troy’s arrival follows the completion of key improvements at the dock, including the installation of seven new capstans as part of a R200 million modernisation programme. The upgrades have improved operational efficiency and expanded the dock’s ability to service larger and more technically demanding vessels operating on international trade routes.
Over the next 10 days, specialist marine teams will carry out scheduled maintenance, repairs and mandatory statutory inspections required for the tanker’s continued operation. The project is expected to benefit contractors, engineering companies, equipment suppliers, logistics providers and other businesses that form part of Durban’s ship repair value chain.
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Durban Port Manager Mpumi Dweba-Kwetana said every vessel entering the Prince Edward Graving Dock represents far more than routine maintenance.
“Every vessel entering Prince Edward Graving Dock is more than a maintenance project. It supports specialised maritime skills, creates jobs, strengthens local industries and reinforces Durban’s reputation as a preferred ship repair destination.”
TNPA said continued investment in port infrastructure, including plans for a new graving dock and a ship lift, will further strengthen Durban’s position as a leading ship repair hub capable of attracting even larger international vessels.
Commissioned in 1924, the Prince Edward Graving Dock remains one of Africa’s oldest ship repair facilities and continues to play a vital role in supporting international shipping while contributing to South Africa’s maritime economy.
As global shipping vessels continue to grow in size, the successful docking of Troy demonstrates that Durban’s historic facility is keeping pace with the demands of modern maritime trade.
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