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Tugs in South African have slowly evolved since the day of the old coal burners like the TS McKeown which was stationed in Cape Town. The introduction of the Z Peller, Schottel and Kort Nozzle gave tugs maneuverability and thrust in all directions as opposed to the ahead and astern abilities of the previous vessels. However, the evolution of ships has also made tugs less of a necessity. Bow and stern thrusters, twin rudders and VP propellers enable a ship to berth or undock with the aid of a single tug as opposed to the 2 previously used, while the more modern cruise ships do not even use tugs in perfect conditions. I have spent many pleasurable hours on some of the tugs in Durban and can appreciate the difficulties that the tug masters face and I am sure that the engineers are happy that they do not have to spend their duty hours in a steam driven vessel, and while those workhorses of our harbours may never venture out of the harbour, they are still an integral part of any port and perform a vital function in keeping commerce flowing.
Like so many other things in our country it was inevitable that our tugs and harbour craft would get new names to reflect a "non racial society". Herewith are some of these new names.
The photos of Indlazi, Royal Tern, Palmiet, Mkuze, Enseleni and Tugela are courtesy of Terry Hutson, Arctic Tern (1) by George Durant, Arctic Tern (2) , Brenton and Ibhayi courtesy of The SA Transport Website. Photo of Ndongeni courtesy of Allan Jackson, Photo of Inyalazi courtesy of Stewart Siddall. Photo of Voortrekker and Voorspeler courtesy of Deene Collopy
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©DR Walker. 2001-2012. Created 06-01-2001, updated and images resized 30 January 2010. Some images redone 15 July 2011.