The Robinson Graving Dock in Cape Town has been recognised as a national historical civil engineering landmark by the South African Institution of Civil Engineering (SAICE) due to its significant contribution to maritime engineering and the economic development of the region – this is part of SAICE’s celebration of forgotten legacy chapters of engineering history during Heritage Month.
Establishment of the Robinson Graving Dock, officially opened in 1882 by Prince Alfred, second son of Queen Victoria and named after Sir Hercules Robinson, the Governor of the Cape Colony at the time, significantly boosted Cape Town's economy by providing local employment opportunities and enhancing the city's position as a key maritime hub in the Southern Hemisphere. The cobblestone dock facilitated the growth of the shipping industry in the region, contributing to trade and commerce, and has continued to serve as a vital asset for maritime operations. It continues to serve the local fishing industry as well as many global clients who bring ships in for repair.
SAICE's selection of the Robinson Graving Dock as a national historical civil engineering landmark reflects its enduring importance in South Africa's engineering heritage. It was designed to accommodate the repair and maintenance of large vessels, playing a crucial role in the shipping industry.
As the first graving dock in South Africa, it marked a significant advancement in the country's maritime infrastructure. The dock's construction used innovative engineering techniques of the time, showcasing the capabilities of South African civil engineers.
“By recognising engineering landmarks that reflect the historical and cultural significance of civil engineering projects, we hope to promote awareness of the contributions of civil engineering to the country's development and honour the engineering feats that have significantly impacted communities and the economy,” remarked Chris Roth, chair of the History and Heritage Panel at SAICE.
The dock measures 161 m in length, 20,7 m in width and 7,9 m in depth, allowing it to service a wide range of vessels, including naval ships and commercial cargo carriers. Its design and construction involved complex engineering challenges, particularly in terms of water management and structural integrity, which were successfully addressed by the engineers involved. The Robinson Graving Dock exemplifies the technical skill and ingenuity of South African engineers.
Placing the SAICE plaque proved difficult as the dock is exposed to heavy impact loads from moving ships and is also a tourist attraction at the V&A Waterfront. A flat vertical area was selected for the aluminium plaque to be mounted on the stone walling – just outside the dock gate. The plaque is now visible to the many tourists visiting the Waterfront, drawing attention to the accomplishments of civil engineering over the years.
Roth is a prominent figure in the civil engineering community with a background that includes extensive experience in engineering practice and education. His expertise contributes to the panel's mission of preserving and promoting the heritage of civil engineering in the country.
His leadership role at SAICE involves overseeing initiatives that recognise and celebrate significant civil engineering achievements in South Africa, particularly those that have historical importance. Under Roth’s guidance, the SAICE History and Heritage Panel evaluates projects that have made substantial contributions to community welfare and economic development, fostering greater appreciation for the role of civil engineers in shaping South Africa's infrastructure.
Since its inception in 2006, the SAICE History and Heritage Panel has recognised several significant projects. The first award was given to the Van Stadens weir and dam outside Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) – a major water supply project completed in the late 19th century. This recognition was part of a broader effort to document and celebrate the engineering feats that have shaped South Africa's infrastructure and landscape.
