Suspicions that the fast-track training of harbour pilots might have been a factor in recent quayside crashes in Durban, South Africa, were unfounded, Transnet National Ports Authority CEO Richard Vallihu said on Friday on the sidelines of the launch of Durban’s newest tug, the locally built Umbilo.
Vallihu said that boards of inquiry were investigating two recent incidents. MSC Benedetta struck a gantry crane at the container terminal, while on April 30th bulk carrier Julian struck a ship loader while berthing at Bulk Connections on the Bluff.