Western Cape Transport approves abnormal load application for transportation of 37 ton yacht

skeeze via pixabay.com

Exceeding the limitations in terms of the dimensions and/or mass

The dimensions of the yacht are 31,702mm (length), 69,05mm (width) 4,410mm (height) and weight is 37,284kg. The laden dimensions (including vehicles) was be 35,514mm (length), 6,905mm (width), 5,390mm (height), 16,375mm (wheelbase) and total mass 73,344kg. The yacht is valued at €9.5 million.

Certain vehicles and loads cannot be moved on public roads without exceeding the limitations in terms of the dimensions and/or mass as prescribed in the Regulations of the National Road Traffic Act (Act 93 of 1996). Where such a vehicle or load cannot be dismantled without disproportionate effort, expense or risk of damage, into units that can travel or be transported legally, it is classified as an abnormal load.

A special permit

When the movement of an abnormal load is considered to be in the economic and/or social interest of the country, a special permit may be issued to allow it to operate on a public road for a limited period. Permits are normally issued by the Provincial Road Authorities and, if necessary, input is obtained from local and metropolitan authorities.

A permit is then issued with certain conditions, which include a prescribed route for transportation as well as appropriate travel time restrictions as prescribed by the relevant municipality. In this instance four City of Cape Town traffic services vehicles and personnel were deployed to escort the combination on a detailed route which was approved by Cape Town City Council. Abnormal loads transported within the City limits must travel within the restricted times for transportation, which exclude weekday peak hours (5.30 am - 9.30am and 3pm - 7pm) and limited to before 6am on a weekend.

A prescribed route

The abnormal load travelled on the prescribed route from Athlone Industrial area: Turfhall Road, to Jakes Gerwel Drive, Klipfontein Road, Duinefontein Road, Robert Sobukwe Road, 35th Avenue, Jan Van Riebeeck Drive, Giel Basson Drive, Bosmansdam Road, Plattekloof Road, Koeberg Road, Boundary Road, Marine Drive, Duncan Road,before ultimately arriving at the Port of Cape Town.

The yacht was officially launched on Sunday, 28 June 2015, and named Seawave.

As the roads authority for the Western Cape, the Department of Transport and Public Works is tasked with processing and issuing abnormal load permits. Every year thousands of applications are processed to assist entities with the transportation of loads that otherwise could not be transported under normal circumstances.

The management of the yacht manufacturing company, Southern Wind Shipyard, as well as the transportation company, Teemane Crane (Pty) Ltd, extended their gratitude at the levels of professionalism and efficiency exhibited by the departmental officials who processed their application, and ensured that the load could be transported without unnecessary delay.

The positive impact of these on the economic well-being of the province and on job creation is significant. My department remains committed to ensuring that applications are processed timeously, and that loads are transported safely and with minimal disruption to other road users, to their various destinations.

Issued by: Western Cape Transport and Public Works