Selborne Graving Dock

The Selborne Graving Dock is a dry dock facility in Simon's Town harbor built with granite blocks from Norway and Portland cement from England. The structure stretches along the waterfront and continues to serve as a key maintenance and repair site for South African naval vessels.

Construction began in 1906 and was completed in 1910 by a British building company. South African control came later as part of a political agreement that reshaped the base's administration.

This maritime facility represents the engineering capabilities of early 20th-century naval architecture and remains central to South African maritime operations.

The dock sits within an active naval base and is typically not directly accessible to visitors. It is best viewed from the public harbor area or from nearby viewpoints along the coastal road.

Named after William Palmer, 2nd Earl of Selborne, this dock transferred to South African control in 1957 through the Simonstown Agreement.

GPS coordinates: -34.19194,18.44000

Latest update: December 14, 2025 09:41