Transnet National Ports Authority ( is aware of a video circulating on social media in which a vessel is seen spouting out a n oil like substance close to the shore s of
Durban’s Beachfront.

We wish to inform you that the video that started circulating on Thursday, 02 December 2021 is in fact the Port of Durban’s Isandlwana dredger helping to replenish sand onto Durban’s beaches ahead of the festive season.

The dredger is using a method known as ‘ which propels clean sand that has been dredged from the sand trap in a high arc to a particular location.

TNPA has an agreement with t he eThekwini Municipality for the port authority to nourish the beac hes. W e would like to assure the public that this act is safe and does not pose any danger to beach users or the marine environment.

Dredging is a fundamental activity that removes excess material on the seabed in order to maintain the depth levels of the ports and keep waterways safe for ships to navigate. Apart from keeping the port operational, dredging is also responsible for sustaining Durban’s famous beaches to counter the prevailing winds and currents that cause a northward movement of sand.

To prevent this sand from compromising the port’s entrance channels, dredging creates sand-traps and pumps the sand back to the northern side. Without this, the beaches would be eroded.

 

Issued by Transnet National Ports Authority