An explanation on tankers in bay

Update

MOSSEL BAY NEWS - Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) has declined to comment on the bulk tankers anchored in Mossel Bay.

There has been much speculation among Mossel Bay residents regarding the tankers. On Sunday there were six bulk vessels anchored in the bay.

Comments about the boats appeared on Facebook sites and Mossel Bay Advertiser received queries from the public.

The Advertiser made enquiries to PetroSA and to Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA).

TNPA responded via email on Monday, 16 October: "The vessels are currently outside port limits, therefore, we are currently not in a position to share any details in regard to their operations. Kindly make contact with PetroSA."

The Advertiser enquired to PetroSA on Monday morning and followed up on the enquiry later on Monday and Tuesday, 17 October. A spokesperson for PetroSA said she would be sending a response in due course. The Advertiser is awaiting her response.

It is unusual to see up to six bulk tankers anchored in the bay at one time.

The Advertiser contacted a source, who said this was most likely due to the fact that although PetroSA is non-operational it still has storage capacity.

"They are tankers moving between the various ports in South Africa," the source said. "The tankers come into the bay, loaded with fuel. There are bulk fuel storage facilities in Mossel Bay for fuel."

Regarding the reason for the unusually large number of tankers in the bay, the source pointed out that most of South Africa's fuel is imported.

"My opinion is that it is a cost issue. Mossel Bay is one of the most cost-effective harbours to use. There is an offloading station in the sea. It is a huge yellow pump station near Seal Island. The pipes run under the sea floor. They run to the inland storage tanks behind Langeberg Mall.

"There is always a tug boat hooked up to the tanker at the back to keep the tanker in a straight line while fuel is being pumped out of the tanker to the bulk storage facility on the land."

Ships that were in the bay on Tuesday, 17 October at 14:00.