Deep-water Port of Ngqura in South Africa was refurbished with SFT Element Fenders

Port of Ngqura in South Africa faced a challenging situation when they needed to align the different fender systems at their four berths. The port is located on the South-East of South Africa, about 25 km from Port Elizabeth. It is a deep-water port able to serve Super Post-Panamax container vessels up to 12.500 TEU’s.  

In the past, the four container berths were equipped with different fender systems. But a new requirement from Transnet National Port Authority (TNPA), requiring that all fenders should be of the same type, made it necessary to replace about half of the fender systems. They entrusted Stefanutti Stocks Coastal with the works to whom ShibataFenderTeam delivered 15 sets of Element Fender Systems (H 1000mm x L 1200mm) with steel panels measuring 2800mm x 4000mm. 10 of these sets are installed at the berths, while 5 sets are kept in stock at the port as spare parts.  

The tender for this project was issued in the beginning of 2021 and after the order was confirmed in July 2021, SFT engineers started with the design works and after manufacturing and shipment, the fenders arrived in South Africa in February 2022, in compliance with the rehab schedule on site.   

For traceability purposes, a TGA test was performed for which our local representative collected rubber samples from the fenders on site, so that an independent laboratory was able to conduct the corresponding test. TGA testing is a Thermogravimetric Analysis and is used for traceability – it is performed to verify that the final fender was produced from the same compound which was used to verify the physical properties of the lab samples. #4372  

For more information on TGA testing and fender testing in general, we recommend our White Paper Testing. A best-practice approach which is available as a free download, either the single paper or the entire series which provides the full picture on what exactly makes a good fender, detailing raw materials, mixing, manufacturing and testing.

📷 More pictures of our Element Fenders at the Port of Ngqura