Hull Cleaning Permit

Applying for a Hull Cleaning Permit

The Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) considers efficient and safe Hull Cleaning activities within the port limits as a key activity to the proper functioning of the ports and assists the customers in efficient and sustainable operations of their vessels.

In terms of Port Rule 148, issued in terms of section 80(2) of the National Ports Act 12 of 2005, Transnet National Ports Authority requires persons carrying out hull cleaning activities in the port to apply for a permit.

No hull cleaning can be conducted within ports limits without a valid hull cleaning permit issued by the Harbour Master.  The hull cleaning  permitting process applies to hull cleaning activities that may impact on the  safety, security and good order in the port and therefore is required to bepre-authorised by means of a Harbour Master Hull Cleaning Permit.

Transnet National Ports Authority has undertaken to issue a permit to qualifying companies and the process will be open for a restricted period to ensure that this new activity can be easily regulated and managed in ports

Application forms for hull cleaning activities can be downloaded from the website links, and/or documents may also be obtained between 08:30 and 16:00 from the Customer Service Centres (CSC) in the Port Administration Building in the ports of Richards Bay, Durban, East London, Ngqura, Port Elizabeth, Cape Town, Saldanha Bay and the Revenue Office in the Port Control Building at the port of Mossel Bay.

Applicants can submit applications by hand, on a per port basis, to the Authority, for the attention of the Harbour Master (or designated Port Licence Representative) of the respective port.

Steps to apply for a Hull cleaning permit:

·     Click on the link supplied to download the application form for a hull cleaning application.

·     Click on the link supplied to download the standard terms and conditions of the hull cleaning permit.​

·     Complete and sign the hull cleaning permit application form.

·      Sign the Hull Cleaning permit.

·      The applications must be submitted on a per port basis. 

·       No payment is required with the application.

·        In order to consider your application per port, the following compliant documents and information are required:

a)      Completed and signed application form per port;

b)      Documents and information, indicated on the application form, as needed; and

c)      Signed hull cleaning permit.

The abovementioned documents need to be delivered between 08h30 and 16h00 to the Customer Service Centres (CSC) in the Port Admin Building in the ports of Richards Bay, Durban, East London, Ngqura, Port Elizabeth, Cape Town, Saldanha Bay and the Revenue Office in the Port Control Building at the port of Mossel Bay, for the attention of the Authority's Port Manager (or designated Port Licence representative) of the applicable port.

Payment of permit fee

 Upon written notification of the successful outcome of an application, Transnet National Ports Authority requires a once-off payment per port for the full duration of the 3 year term of the permit, before issuing the final permit. The permit fee is payable for each port you want to conduct your hull cleaning business in.

For more information

If you have any hull cleaning permit questions, please call the relevant Customer Service Centre (or office of the Harbour Master).

Thank you for your work in keeping the port safe and secure.