Maritime Review ON BOARD 2025

SAShe’s AGULHAS back at sea ON CALL

AMSOL’s Umkhuseli entered service in 2021 to provide a dedicated response capacity along the coastline.

ON BOARD

2025 Showcasing the vessels in our ports and drydocks ON THE COVER

A DOMINANT FLEET Ready to launch and provide reliable services to passing ships’ traffic, Offshore Maritime Services’ fleet of fit-for-purpose vessels represent a dominant portion of the boats providing off port limit services along the South African coastline.

MARITIME REVIEW AFRICA MANAGING EDITOR: Colleen Jacka editor@maritimesa.co.za ADMIN & ACCOUNTS: Lesley Jacka mmmmmedia@mweb.co.za OFFICE: 021 914 1157 POSTAL ADDRESS: PO Box 3842 Durbanville 7551

© COPYRIGHT: No content published in Maritime Review Africa may be reproduced in any form without written permission of the editor. Inclusion of any products in features or any product news does not indicate their endorsement by the publishers or staff. Opinions expressed in the editorial are not necessarily those of the publishers, editors or staff of the magazine.

Every effort is made to check the content for errors, omissions or inaccuracies, but the authors, publishers and contributors connected with the magazine will not be held liable for any of these or for consequences arising from them.

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QUAY QUOTES

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“ ability to dock one of the world’s largest container ships has the potential to transform shipping patterns. It positions the Port of Ngqura as the key container transhipment hub, within the global and Saharan Africa markets,” said Acting TNPA Chief Executive, Phyllis Difeto.

06 |

“This operational milestone also

highlights the impact of our new tug fleet. These tugs represent a significant enhancement to our marine services, enabling us to meet the demands of global shipping with efficiency, reliability and sustainability,” says Nkumbuzi Ben-Mazwi, TNPA Port Manager at the Port of Durban.

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“The Italeni upgrade enables TN-

PA’s strategic intent of creating a smart port system through harnessing innovation and technology,” says Phyllis Difeto Acting TNPA Chief Executive.

08 |

“Thousands of vessels pass us annually and having a reliable ship repair and maritime engineering service helps grow the economy and creates jobs as well as skills in the maritime sector,” says Crian Dickson, founder and owner of CMT Maritime.

12 |“We

are building something completely new and extending the life of the SA Agulhas at the same time. “We intend to keep growing the number of ships operated from Cape Town and flying the South African flag,” says Stefan Bülow of J*S Maritime.

25 |“With

our fleet of eight bespoke South African built service vessels in our fleet, we are satisfied that we have a market-leading design that is well battle-tested and delivers capabilities beyond our expectations, particularly in handling boisterous weather,” says Godfrey Needham of Offshore Maritime Services.

28 |“There

is an opportunity to change the face of OPL and concentrate on technologies and operations,” says Mike Jessop of OSC Marine.

ON BOARD

CONTEN IN THE PORT MSC NICOLA MASTRO

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On her maiden voyage in July 2025, the largest container vessel in the world, the MSC Nicola Mastro, berthed at the deepwater Port of Ngqura. With capacity of 24,116 TEU, 299m in width and 61 metres in beam, the historical berthing was made possible by a four-tug operation.

HÖEGH AURORA

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In November 2024, the world’s largest car carrier, Höegh Aurora, berthed in the Port of Durban on her maiden voyage.

OCEANXPLORER

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The Marshall Island flagged 87m state-of-the-art research and media vessel is designed to push the limits of exploration, discovery, and storytelling. It is a floating laboratory, filmmaking studio and deep-sea launchpad all in one.

IN DRY DOCK FOCUSED MARINE ENGINEERING

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As one of South Africa’s most illustrious legacy shipyards, Sandock Austral Shipyards (SAS) was first established in 1960 by Barends and has continued to deliver milestone achievements for the local marine engineering throughout its history.

Published by More Maximum Media

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COVER STORY Ready to launch and provide reliable services to passing ships’ traffic, Offshore Maritime Services’ (OMS) fleet of eight fit-for-purpose vessels represent a dominant portion of the boats providing off port limit (OPL) services along the South African coastline.

NTS SUPPORTING SHIPS

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ICONIC DELIVERIES With several iconic aluminium vessels operating along the African Coastline, Legacy Marine is building a solid reputation locally and on the continent for their specialised boats that offer a range of custom solutions.

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A TAILORED FLEET 08

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When OSC Marine Africa acquired the maritime division of Servest in late 2024, the emphasis was on maintaining a presence in the local off port limits (OPL) market by upgrading the fleet with a focused approach to safety.

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ON CALL 18

UMKHUSELI With a name fit for its intended purpose, AMSOL’s Umkhuseli took up position along the South African coastline in 2021, and has been hard at work undertaking towage, offshore supply and support, marine emergency response and salvage activities as well as a number of special marine projects.

WORK BOATS Ready to launch and provide reliable services to passing ships’ traffic, Offshore Maritime Services’ fleet of eight fit-for-purpose vessels represent a dominant portion of the boats providing off port limit services along the South African coastline.

Ready to launch and provide reliable services to passing ships tra c, Offshore Maritime Services eet of t-for-purpose vessels represent a dominant portion of the boats providing off port limit services along the South African coastline.

SEE STORY ON PAGE 24

A team from Hesper Engineering joined the SA Agulhas in Sturrock Dry Dock in the Port of Cape Town to undertake mechanical and steel projects – delivering a scope of work that included machinery overhauls as well as hull renewal.

A DOMINANT FLEET

ON BOARD

2025 Showcasing the vessels in our ports and drydocks ON THE COVER

One of the workhorses of the Transnet National Ports Authority’s dredging fleet, the Italeni, received a new marine excavator this year to improve dredging capacity in the country’s ports.

SA AGULHAS REFIT

ON CALL

AMSOL’s Umkhuseli entered service in 2021 to provide a dedicated response capacity along the coastline.

A DOMINANT FLEET

The importance of a vibrant ship repair and marine engineering capacity that is able to support the ships along the South African coastline as well as those vessels that provide valuable services within the ports and in the country’s maritime domain cannot be overstated.

GRABBER UPGRADE

SAShe’s AGULHAS back at sea

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BACK AT SEA 12

SA AGULHAS After slipping into semi-retirement and spending extended periods of time berthed in the Port of Cape Town, the SA Agulhas returned to sea this year with a renewed lease of life.

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EDITOR'S COMMENT

Colleen Jacka

REVIVING A LOVE FOR SHIP-SPOTTING

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It was the Whatsapp photos from friends of ships seen on a coastal drive or gazing out their apartment window with a morning cup of coffee that reinforced the idea to dedicate a publication to these engineered creatures that capture the attention of even the most casual of ship-spotter. Sometimes majestic, often awkwardly bulky or even smelly as hell – these ships often become the subject of newspaper headlines and social media chatter.

The days of being able to wander around our ports may be behind us, but there are still opportunities for landlubbers to become enthralled with the excitement of a little ship-spotting.

The decision to return to print in a limited way this year has resulted in a strategy to identify content that provides a glimpse of the current situation, but also remains relevant within a longer historical context.

The aim is to deliver our ON BOARD edition as an annual opportunity for a bit of ship-spotting to highlight the vessels – both big and small – that work in our waters, transit the coastline on route to the next port or enter our own ports.

The publication also includes the work being undertaken in our dry docks as we showcase, not only the capacity of the ship repair and engineering sector, but also document the scope of work that many notable vessels are undergoing to extend their lifespan or to repair damage.

As such, the ON BOARD edition joins our annual publication schedule that includes the SAFETY REVIEW as well as SALTED (Vol II). The intention is to create a body of work that provides a annual update to establish a series that will ultimately leave a historical record of our maritime culture, capabilities and capacity.

While this first ON BOARD edition presents only a small offering of some of the vessels actively working in our maritime space we are confident that, with the support of the industry, we will be able to deliver a broader view in future issues. Our sincere thanks must go to those that have supported this publication.

Colleen Jacka FOUNDING EDITOR | Maritime Review Africa Email: editor@maritimesa.co.za

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Maritime Review Africa ON BOARD 2025

Colleen Jacka

EDITOR'S COMMENT

The arrival of the tallship, Staadsraad, in January 2023 in the Port of Cape Town drew an excited welcome party of wellwishers who were keen to catch a glimpse of the historical vessel slip out of the mist at the harbour entrance and gracefully settle alongside.

Maritime Review Africa ON BOARD 2025

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IN PORT

Seen in Port

PORT VISITORS From massive container vessels to stinky livestock carriers and everything in between!

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Some of the largest vessels in the world have called at South African ports recently and been accommodated efficiently by harbour pilots – making headline news in the mainstream press to present a picture of modern port infrastructure capable of handling the ships of the future.

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n her maiden voyage in July 2025, the largest container vessel in the world, the MSC Nicola Mastro, berthed at the deepwater Port of Ngqura.

With capacity of 24,116 TEU, 299m in width and 61 metres in beam, the historical berthing was made possible by a four-tug operation.

These tugboats have a bollard-pull of 60 to 70 tonnes, fully capable to handle larger vessels efficiently. This special operation necessitated the ports authority to increase the number of tugs required for safe navigation in the port, from the standard two-tug operation to four.

Tugboats are critical marine assets that enable the safe manoeuvring of vessels during pilotage operations.

“The arrival of this vessel on our shores brings to the fore the critical role SA ports should uphold in responding to the needs of the current global trade ecosystem. Our ability to dock one of the world’s largest container ships has the potential to transform shipping patterns. It positions the Port of Ngqura as the key container transshipment hub, within the global and Saharan Africa markets,” said Acting TNPA Chief Executive, Phyllis Difeto.

Her on-time berthing was skilfully managed by a marine crew of approximately 24 members led

by Marine Pilot Olwethu Mtsewu-Sisilana, alongside the marine crew in tug services, pilotage

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Maritime Review Africa ON BOARD 2025

Seen in Port

IN PORT

In April Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) achieved a milestone with the first simultaneous berthing of two car carriers at the newly upgraded automotive berth at the Port of East London.

These are currently the largest pure car carriers in the world fleet. The upgrade has doubled the automotive berth’s design capacity to handle 790 000 units per year.

The two vessels, 182m MV Silver Sun and the 199m MV Martorell Ace docked along the West Quay, which now has a depth of -10.7m (CD) and a total length of 550m.

Maritime Review Africa ON BOARD 2025

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IN PORT

Seen in Port and berthing. Mtsewu-Sisilana is one of TNPA’s Marine Pilots with an open license, allowing her to handle any size of vessel docking and sailing at the port.

Originally from Qanda village of eXesi in the rural Eastern Cape, Pilot Mtsewu-Sisilana began her maritime career in 2008 through a Transnet bursary and has recorded a major milestone in her career through this docking.

In November 2024, the world’s largest car carrier, Höegh Aurora, berthed in the Port of Durban on her maiden voyage.

The Höegh Aurora, a next-generation vessel known for its advanced green energy solutions, signifies a new era in

sustainable shipping. The vessel is powered by Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), equipped with solar panels, and designed for future conversion to methanol or ammonia fuel once the engines are ready.

“This operational milestone also highlights the impact of our

Focused on marine engineering

A

s one of South Africa’s most illustrious legacy shipyards, Sandock Austral Shipyards (SAS) was first established in 1960 by Barends and has continued to deliver milestone achievements for the local marine engineering throughout its history.

Providing complete in-house solutions for shipbuilding, ship repair, naval maintenance and fabrication, SAS’s yard is ISO 9001-2015 certified and has a Level 2 BBBEE Rating.

Shipbuilding SAS was involved in the much-anticipated TNPA tug renewal programme that kicked off in August 2014, with the first tug leaving the shipyard in November 2015. Representing a R1.4 billion investment by the Transnet National Ports Authority, the project was the largest single contract ever awarded by the authority to a local company at the time.

SAS recently unveiled the AFRIKA OPV, a cutting-edge 53.4-metre-long and 8.1-metre-beam patrol vessel built for versatility and endurance in the most demanding maritime environments. Designed to reach speeds of up to 23 knots, this vessel is purpose-built for maritime security, fisheries enforcement, search and rescue, and counter-piracy operations

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Maritime Review Africa ON BOARD 2025

across African waters.

Powered by two 2,360 kW main engines and equipped with controllable pitch propellers and a bow thruster for enhanced manoeuvrability, the AFRIKA OPV is operated by a skilled crew of 30. It is a symbol of SAS' engineering precision, and commitment to shaping the African continent’s maritime future.

Their Survey Motor Boat is designed to deliver accurate and reliable hydrographic and bathymetric surveys in a variety of marine environments. With a length of 11.5 metres, a beam of 3.7 metres, and a displacement of 10.65 tonnes, this versatile vessel is classified under SAMSA CAT C and is built to withstand the demands of complex coastal and offshore surveying.

Whether navigating shallow waters or mapping the ocean floor, it offers the precision and stability needed for critical maritime data collection.

Proudly built in Africa to serve the world.

Maintenance and repair SAS was contracted to undertake major dry dock maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) projects on the PEG and SOFIA III — two hardworking vessels from the Kenmare fleet to return them to service.

new tug fleet. These tugs represent a significant enhancement to our marine services, enabling us to meet the demands of global shipping with efficiency, reliability and sustainability,” said Nkumbuzi Ben-Mazwi, TNPA Port Manager at the Port of Durban.

Work included:

Cleaning and re-coating fuel, bal-

last, and freshwater tanks.

Overhauling propulsion systems, steering gear, thrusters, and anchors.

Replacing sections of hull plating and deck structures.

Servicing valves, pumps, gearboxes, and sewage systems.

Grit blasting, high-pressure washing, and applying marine-grade coatings.

Upgrading ventilation, piping, and electrical components.

Rigging and recommissioning critical mechanical equipment.

Working for African Marine Solutions earlier this year, SAS safely removed the Sibanye from the water using a cradle to deliver her to quayside for maintenance and repairs.

Both port and starboard rudders and propellers were carefully removed for inspection. The windlass was repaired in the workshop, overhauled, and returned to position in excellent working order.

All hull-attached valves were serviced to ensure full functionality.

Additional work included overhauling valves, renewing the exhaust line, and completing a full blasting and repainting of Sibanye to protect its integrity and extend its operational lifespan.

Seen in Port

IN PORT

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sas.co.za

Maritime Review Africa ON BOARD 2025

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IN PORT

Seen in Port

Grabber upgrade

O

ne of the workhorses of the Transnet National Ports Authority’s (TNPA) dredging fleet, the Italeni, received a new marine excavator this year to improve dredging capacity in the country’s ports.

Representing an investment of R76 million, the newly installed excavator is designed to grab dredged material weighing up to 2,000kg at a radius of at least 20 metres.

The upgrade will enable the Italenito efficiently handle dredged volumes of 150,000 m³, a significantly increase from its annual capacity from 94,000 m³.

The Italeni is the only dredging vessel in South Africa capable of accessing confined berths and quay walls, distinguishing the craft from the rest of TNPA’s dredging fleet necessary for maintenance work. Through its Dredging Services business unit, TNPA is actively optimising port depth to ensure the provision of commercially viable berths to its shipping and terminal operation customers.

The installed machinery adheres to the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) regulations and the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) legislation regarding carbon emissions.

"The Italeni upgrade enables TNPA’s strategic intent of creating a smart port system through harnessing innovation and technology. Coupled with enhancing the dredger’s capability to dredge the ports to the required depth, the new marine excavator will ensure that our waterside infrastructure remains competitive by improving TNPA’s customer service offering," said Phyllis Difeto Acting TNPA Chief Executive.

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Maritime Review Africa ON BOARD 2025

Ship repair sector supports ships on South African coastline The importance of a vibrant ship repair and marine engineering capacity that is able to support the ships along the South African coastline as well as those vessels that provide valuable services within the ports and in the country’s maritime domain cannot be overstated.

“Thousands of vessels pass us annually and having a reliable ship repair and maritime engineering service helps grow the economy and creates jobs as well as skills in the maritime sector,” says Crian Dickson, founder and owner of CMT Maritime.

He believes in the vital service that the ship repair sector offers and emphasises that the efficient support provided by local companies helps make the country’s ports a preferred stop for maintenance and repairs.

“Investment in the sector is crucial,” he says highlighting that it is not only the main contractors on major projects that benefit, but also a long stream of subcontractors who help “synchronise the skills to

complete the job at hand”.

With over 40 years of experience, CMT provides experience for turnaround solutions in ship repair, maintenance and fabrication. “We are constantly seeking to better our service offerings through research and improved processes,” he adds, highlighting the company’s ability to provide support across all the regions and in most South African ports.

A dedicated team of project managers, boilermakers, welders, safety officers and ship repairers is supported by the management, marketing and accounts departments in the office.

Both permanent and contract staff benefit from on-the-job training as well as the opportunity to complete external

www.cmtmaritime.co.za

Based in Durban, South Africa, CMT is your trusted partner for comprehensive multi-disciplinary engineering and construction services within the maritime industry.

GENERAL ENGINEERING & MARINE SURVEYS FABRICATION & STEEL RENEWALS DRY DOCKING & MAINTENANCE PIPE FABRICATION & REPAIRS SHAFT & RUDDER REPAIRS TANK & HULL CLEANING MARINE ENGINEERING SHIP REPAIRS As leaders in the field, CMT Maritime provides world class engineering services and high quality workmanship, specialising in the delivery of tailored solutions to meet the diverse needs of shipping and maritime infrastructure projects.

With a dedicated team of experts and a commitment to excellence, we provide end-to-end services, from initial design to final construction, all managed in-house for maximum efficiency and quality assurance.

training where necessary.

CMT Maritime has had a busy few years with contracts to work on the restoration of the Transnet National Ports Authority’s (TNPA) pilot boats as well as the steel repairs on their fleet of dredgers. The company was also involved in the vital work to replace and repair caisson gates in TNPA’s dry docks.

Ship repair work on barges,

tugs, bulk carriers, container vessels and jack-up platforms has also been keeping the team busy.

Dickson says that he hopes that the project to recapitalise the South African fishing fleet will come to fruition. “Projects like this as well as the mid-life restoration and commissioning of TNPA vessels will provide good opportunities for the ship repair and boat building sector in the country,” he says.

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IN PORT

Seen in Port

MAKING WAVES CAUSING A STINK In 2024, the Al Kuwait – a livestock carrier – visited the Port of Cape Town and created quite a stink in the city as complaints about the smell associated with the vessel made news for several days.

The vessel docked in the Port of Cape Town on 18 February 2024 for animal feed, vessel stores, bunkers and to afford the relevant parties the opportunity to conduct medical assessments on the animals on board as well as administer the necessary medical care.

The safety and well-being of the animals on board was of paramount importance in making the decision and it was on these grounds that TNPA permitted the vessel to berth at the Port of Cape Town.

Built to explore The arrival of the OceanXplorer in the Port of Cape Town in January this year marked the launch of a four-month expedition spearheaded by OceanX in collaboration with OceanQuest to push the boundaries of ocean exploration and scientific research along Africa’s coastline.

T CAUSING A STIR Russian vessels have made headlines on several occasions. Most recently, the Russian Navy training vessel, the Smolny docked in the Port of Cape Town at the beginning of August for refueling and essential supplies.

In December 2023, the Lady R caused a major outcry when she docked at the Simon’s Town Naval base instead at one of the commercial ports. The visit prompted an investigation that led to an official report on the nature of the visit.

According to the report, the equipment that was shipped on board the Lady R had not been properly containerised. Armscor arranged for empty containers to be brought into the port so that pallets from the ship could be loaded into them.

(PHOTO: Hugo Attfield)

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Maritime Review Africa ON BOARD 2025

he Marshall Island flagged 87m state-of-the-art research and media vessel is designed to push the limits of exploration, discovery, and storytelling. It is a floating laboratory, film making studio and deep-sea launchpad all in one.

Built at the Freire Shipyard in Spain in 2010, the vessel underwent an extensive rebuild and was relaunched for OceanX. As main contractor during the five-year rebuild, Damen’s scope included responsibility for both the vessel’s interior and exterior.

The project required the rebuilding, from the main deck upwards, of the then five-year-old platform supply vessel, the Volstad Surveyor, transforming it into a state-of-the-art expedition ship. The extensive work of the project required up to 400 people working on the vessel at any given time.

Onboard science labs are equipped with cutting-edge tools for genetics, microscopy and deep-sea sample analysis – giving scientists everything they need to study ocean life and ecosystems without leaving the vessel.

Submersibles and remotely operated vessels provide additional capacity for studying the ocean at varying depths up to 6,000m.

A helicopter provides additional support for scouting and tracking marine life while capturing aerial perspectives.

The onboard dive centre is the hub for shallow-water exploration, equipping divers for vital missions and surveys of delicate marine ecosystems.

The vessel was in Cape Town as part of the "Around Africa Expedition" which aimed to foster international collaboration and advance ocean research and data collection across Africa - laying the groundwork for sustained regional and global impact.

Seen in Port

IN PORT

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Maritime Review Africa 11 ®UNIQUEFIVE ON BOARD 2025

SA AGULHAS

Back at Sea

SA Agulhas gets a new lease on life After slipping into semi-retirement and spending extended periods of time berthed in the Port of Cape Town, the SA Agulhas (I) returned to sea this year with a renewed lease of life. The grand old lady was officially handed over to her new owners in January last year and has undergone an extensive dry docking and refurbishment programme that saw her resume active duty as a South Africanflagged research vessel available for charter.

h H

aving patiently pursued the opportunity to purchase the vessel, Stefan Bülow of J*S Maritime Partners has made no secret of his ambitious plans for the vessel. In an interview with Maritime Review shortly after the vessel handover last year, he was clear that the purchase was about more than acquiring a ship.

“We are building something completely new and

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Maritime Review Africa ON BOARD 2025

extending the life of the SA Agulhas at the same time,” he told us last year. Some 18 months later, the company has proven its intention to establish itself locally with ship management offices in Cape Town as well as plans to bring an additional three ships onto the South African flag.

Already in the process of adding an additional two ships to the registry, he says that the intention is to operate in the Southern Ocean, South

Back at Sea

SA AGULHAS

BACK AT SEA

Atlantic and Indian Ocean.

“We intend to keep growing the number of ships operated from Cape Town and flying the South African flag,” he says with assurance.

Refit for a queen Had the 46-year-old SA Agulhas not found a new owner and renewed purpose, she may well have found herself heading to the scrap yard. Instead,

she was sent to the dry dock for a major overhaul and update to return her to class.

Readily admitted that the dry-docking programme had been significantly more extensive than initially thought, Bülow notes that the R100 million spent during the year-long refurbishment was undertaken almost entirely by local contractors.

This windfall for the ship repair sector cannot be Maritime Review Africa ON BOARD 2025

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SA AGULHAS

ABOVE: Former head of SAMSA Special Project, Ian Calvert’s commitment to the South African maritime industry will now forever be memorialised through this dedication on the side of SA Agulhas as it travels the oceans.

Back at Sea

overstated as the SA Agulhas saw thousands of artisans and contractors take up tools in a bid to give her a second lease on life.

“It’s possible that we have extended her life by 10 to 15 years,” says Bülow as he outlines the extent of the work that was undertaken before she returned to active duty. In addition, some additional repairs were scheduled for June after the vessel returned from her first official voyages.

“More than 99% of the money was spent in the local Cape Town economy using local contractors. A total of about 35 companies were utilised employing thousands of people,” he says adding that the June repairs were also completed locally.

The spruced up vessel even caught the attention of an international film crew and will be seen on the big screen when the action moving, Double Cross starring Jason Statham, is released this year.

Bülow reveals that a full Hollywood crew came onboard to shoot footage while out in Table Bay.

Three charters in her wake Now with three charters undertaken in the first half of 2025, the SA Agulhas continues to be

R100 MILLION DRY DOCKING “More than 99% of the money was spent in the local Cape Town economy using local contractors.

A total of about 35 companies were utilised employing combined thousands of people.”

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Maritime Review Africa ON BOARD 2025

crewed by many of the officers that were attached to her prior to her sale. “Most of the crew chose to stay,” he says adding that this was welcome news and has helped ensure a 100% South African contingent.

“They all have a good knowledge of the vessel and have shown outstanding talent for innovation during operations at sea,” he adds.

“Having these experienced seafarers on board was a blessing, especially during the challenging refit phase. Their deep knowledge of the ship helped us execute repairs efficiently and prepare the SA Agulhas for her new mission. The team spirit between crew and scientists is incredible,” he enthused.

Having won the tender for the 12th Indian Southern Ocean Expedition, the first major charter took the vessel back to Antarctica for an intensive six-week tour that concluded in Port Louis, Mauritius.

The 7,000 nautical mile expedition was undertaken with the Indian National Centre of Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) and successfully visited 27 research stations.

“This journey was not only a scientific success - life on board was marked by true team spirit, mutual respect, and great enthusiasm. The crew and scientists grew into a strong unit and returned to Mauritius full of energy and excitement,” posted Bülow on LinkedIn after the newly relaunched SA Agulhas’ first trip under his management.

Back at Sea

SA AGULHAS

“Having these experienced seafarers on board was a blessing, especially during the challenging refit phase. Their deep knowledge of the ship helped us execute repairs efficiently and prepare the SA Agulhas for her new mission. The team spirit between crew and scientists is incredible.”

After a short rest, the icebreaker left Port Louis for the Indian Ocean ridge as the 40 Indian scientists continued their research.

“This marks the fourth expedition of NCPOR aboard the SA Agulhas,” says Bülow noting that many of the 38 crew were also part of previous NCPOR expeditions.

Although not part of the purchase conditions, Bülow says that they are working with local universities to make unused research berths available for marine scientists to join scientific voyages.

Cadets still welcome Her legacy as a training ship has not been lost either. Already more than delivering on his obligation in terms of localisation of the crew, Bülow confirms that the SA Agulhas will continue to train cadets. He adds that South African cadets will also be accommodated on partner vessels.

“As part of our commitment to provide cadetship berths, we arranged through our partners Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement (BSM) for the 2024 cadetship intake. Consequently, BSM signed an agreement with Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) in May 2024.” An additional cadet training agreement was recently signed with STC in Cape Town.

Noting that there has been a delay in the intake

of cadets this year due to a lack of availability, Bülow confirms that J*S Maritime has taken the matter up with the South African International Maritime Institute (SAIMI) and hopes to see the issue resolved ahead of future voyages.

“Our intention was always to establish a real South African presence and meaningfully contribute to the South African economy. Our long-term vision is to position J*S Maritime Partners as a maritime services company that supports the growing shipping activities in the southern oceans,” he says emphasising the need for continued cooperation to maximise the potential of the project.

“We are concerned that we have not always received the best cooperation we would have wished for,” he says affirming that no cadets were received ahead of the first voyages post dry docking.

“In terms of the agreement, we place cadets upon the government confirming funding of the same. We understand that there may have been funding challenges, but this is a lost opportunity for seafarer training,” he says adding that engagement with both SAMSA and SAIMI is ongoing in this regard.

Despite some of these issues, Bülow nevertheless remains buoyant about the company’s involvement in the local maritime space.

“J*S Maritime Partners hopes to play a more meaningful role in supporting the local maritime development of South Africa. With the international partnerships we will be able to use our local presence to access both local and international opportunities for the sector. We look forward to the second year of our operations,” he says.

PHOTOS: Stefan Bülow at the handover function for the SA Agulhas in February 2024 - seen with the then Minister of Transport, Sindisiwe Chikunga and with a group of learners from Lawhill Maritime Academy.

Maritime Review Africa ON BOARD 2025

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SA AGULHAS

Back at Sea

99% LOCAL

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MONTHS

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CONTRACTORS

R100 MILLION DRY DOCKING

Local team undertakes mechanical and steel work A team from Hesper Engineering joined the SA Agulhas in Sturrock Dry Dock in the Port of Cape Town to undertake mechanical and steel projects – delivering a scope of work that included machinery overhauls as well as hull renewal.

T

alking about their involvement in the project, Colin Schreuder, Divisional Executive at Hesper Engineering, said he was encouraged by the commitment of the new owners to invest in the vessel as well as their notable intention to support the local ship repair industry.

“The local industry can only benefit from their plans and we were proud to have been a part of their first major project in the Port of Cape Town,” he said.

Despite having to undertake repairs to the steelwork as a result of previous damage, Schreuder, reports that the vessel’s hull was in good condition for her age. “The steelwork did not present any challenges,” he says describing the nature of the work that included the need to cut four small inserts into the hull to replace sections of plating.

Representing almost 8,500 manhours, the total steelwork saw just under 500kg of Lloyd’s Grade A 10mm plating delivered to the site for this portion of the project. In addition to the hull work, the team also repaired the gangway, which was load tested before being returned to service.

The renewal of 36 sacrificial anodes on the hull, sea chest, bow thruster and retractable thruster tunnels was also completed. The side shell stern thruster door was removed and repaired.

Hesper’s contribution to the mechanical work scope was extensive and included the overhaul of sea valves, anchor windlass, winches, thruster side shell door and the fairlead rollers. Schreuder notes that the mechanical work did not pose too many challenges either.

As part of their scope of work, Hesper undertook the complete overhaul of:

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92 overboard and intermediate valves.

LT cooling water heat exchanger.

Fresh water generator.

Starting air and working air compressors and receivers.

Bilge water separator.

Emergency fire pump, bilge pump, ballast pump, general service pump, lT booster pumps etc.

Domestic fresh water and sea water hydrophores.

Deck machinery, anchor windlass, mooring winches, including brake linings, fairlead rollers, cargo cranes, accommodation gangway.

Other work that was undertaken during the course of the refurbishment project included the cleaning and polishing of the propellor. In addition, the anchor chains were ranged and cleaned before being inspected, calibrated and fully restored.

All deck fire lines as well as bunker lines were pressure tested to ensure functionality and safe operations. A new sea water pressure tank was also installed, and new pumps as well as blowers were provided to the sewage plants.

“We need to attract more major refurbishment projects such as this to our ports as they provide good opportunities for the local ship repair industry,” says Schreuder hoping that shipowners will continue to see the value in refitting older vessels to increase their life span.

“This type of work will give ship owners a good perspective of what we as local ship repairers within South Africa are capable of, and what we have to offer to the maritime engineering sector,” he concludes.

Back at Sea

SA AGULHAS

The 12-month refurbishment project undertaken on the SA Agulhas I will extend her active life by up to 15 years and provided a windfall of work to the ship repair sector in the Port of Cape Town. Stationed in Cape Town between charters, the vessel will continue to support the local ship yards. Long-term plans may even see even more significant work being undertaken on the old lady as J*S Maritime Partners continue to invest in her as a viable platform for scientific research and even eco-tourism in the vast southern ocean.

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UMKHUSELI

On call on the coast

ON CALL

The Protector

t

With a name fit for its intended purpose, AMSOL’s Umkhuseli took up position along the South African coastline in 2021, and has been hard at work undertaking towage, offshore supply and support, marine emergency response and salvage activities as well as a number of special marine projects.

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Translated from isiXhosa to mean protector or defender, the multi-purpose, DPII tug, is flagged in South Africa and provides a unique opportunity for local seafarers to expand their experience at sea while exposing them to complex offshore marine projects along South Africa’s coastline.

country and the prospects for ongoing growth within the maritime sectors.

Acquired as part of the company’s fleet renewal strategy, the Anchor Handling Tug Supply Vessel (AHTSV), highlights AMSOL’s confidence in the

On standby as an Emergency Towing Vessel (ETV), the Umkhuseli is an integral asset in AMSOL’s partnership with the Department of

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The Umkhuseli is an integral part of the AMSOLowned specialist vessels on the South African Ships’ Register, including tugs, AHTSV, a product tanker, and offshore supply launches.

On call on the coast

Transport (DoT) and the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) to protect the Southern African coastline.

UMKHUSELI

As the first country to institute an ETV contract, South Africa employed the use of two of the world’s most powerful tugs at the time and has demonstrated its foresight by continuing to ensure the availability of emergency response services since then.

Today, several other countries including Singapore, United States, Canada, France, Britain have also adopted such a service.

To avoid oil pollution from maritime accidents and in providing a service for ships involved in maritime accidents, South Africa began the Emergency Standby Towing Service, initially using the two big salvage tugs.

At the core of the service, is the philosophy to prevent pollution by providing immediate incident response to mitigate the situation before it deteriorates. This state-sponsored service requires the tug operator to ensure that a tug remains on standby 24/7/365 and can leave the harbour within 30 minutes of a call-out.

As the first country to institute an ETV contract, South Africa employed the use of two of the world’s most powerful tugs at the time and has demonstrated its foresight by continuing to ensure the availability of emergency response services since then.

With the retirement of both of the original tugs, the Umkhuseli was introduced as an effective multipurpose vessel that offers enhanced safety features and significantly more-effective positioning capability. She delivers the operational advances that have been made possible by tech-

MAIN PHOTO: The Umkuseli is on call to respond to marine incidents along South Africa's coastline.

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UMKHUSELI

On call on the coast

It is estimated that approximately 20,000 tonnes of bunker fuel was prevented from entering the marine environment during the course of operations.

nology updates over the ensuing years.

The Umkhuseli and her crew can respond to maritime incidents from fishing vessels to large bulk carriers, tankers, containerships and passenger ships. Their service also forms an important part of South Africa’s Search and Rescue capability and has saved many seafarers’ lives.

Responding to marine emergencies on call-out, she provides critical services including marine emergency response, safety standby, rescue towage, search and rescue, environmental protection, and salvage.

Marine emergency response support is also supplemented by another of AMSOL’s vessels,

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the Siyanda which provided assistance out of Durban during numerous incidents last year.

An eventful year In addition to her standby work, the Umkhuseli had an eventful 2024, undertaking 11 successful marine emergency response operations.

These saw her provide assistance to two fishing trawlers, three bulk carriers, two general cargo vessels, one tanker, one tug and two FPSOs. It is estimated that approximately 20,000 tonnes of bunker fuel was prevented from entering the marine environment during the course of these operations.

In June 2024, the tug safely escorted the

On call on the coast

UMKHUSELI

VESSEL SPECIFICATIONS SPECIFICATIONS Classification Built Flag Port of Registry IMO Number Call Sign Max Speed

ABS 2013 SAMSA Cape Town - RSA 9427055 J8B6218 16 knots @ 100% MCR

MAIN DIMENSIONS Length Overall 83.00 m Length B.P. 73.00 m Beam Overall 22.00 m Depth Moulded 9.00 m Max Draft 7.50 m GRT 5,600T Dead Weight 4,427 Tons Bollard Pull 225 MT MACHINERY & PROPULSION EQUIPMENT Main Engines 4 x 4,500 kW Wartsila 9L32 Driving propulsion, shaft alternator and fire pump Generators CAT, 2 x 320 kW 2 x 2,500 kW shaft alternator 440V, 60Hz, 3 Phase Emergency gen 1 x 250 kW, 60 Hz emergency diesel generator Propellers 2 x CPP Bow Thruster Brunvoll, 2 x 1,200 kW, CPP Stern Thruster Brunvoll, 2 x 830 kW, CPP DISCHARGING RATES Fresh Water 2 x 150 m3/hr @ 9 bar F.O Cargo pump 2 x 150 m3/hr @ 9 bar Liquid Mud 2 x 75 m3/hr @ 21 bar Brine 2 x 75 m3/hr @ 21 bar Base Oil 1 x 75 m3/hr @ 09 bar Drill Water 2 x 150 m3/hr @ 09 bar Bulk Compressors 2 x 30 m3/min @ 80 psi Flow Meter Provided for all cargo CAPACITIES Fuel Oil 1,210 m³ Potable Water 997 m³ Mud 891 m³ Base Oil 196 m³ Brine 1,163 m³ Recovered Oil 1,086 m³ Dry Bulk 6 x 51.5 m³ (Total 309 m³) Ballast/ Drill Water 3,143 m³ Lube TBN Rig Chain Locker 512 m³ in 4 lockers Dispersant 16 m³

Deck Cargo Area Deck Cargo Deck Strength

768 m2 About 1,800 tons 10T/m2, 5 T/m2

DYNAMIC POSITIONING SYSTEM Type Kongsberg, IMO Class DP2 Reference 1 x Radascan Systems 2 x DGPS 2 x Wind Indicator Control 2 x DP Workstations at aft bridge 1 x Independent Joystick HiPAP Option DECK EQUIPMENT Tugger Winch 2 x 15 MT @ 32 m/min Capstan 2 x 15 MT @ 27 m/min Karm Fork 4 x 650 MT c/w inserts Towing Pins 4 x hydraulic, Retractable 300MT Pop-up Pins 2 x 100 MT, Retractable Towing Eye 1 x 200 MT Smit Bracket 1 x 200 MT, Fitted on bow Split Stern Roller 2 x 3,500 mm dia x 3.0m 550 MT Anchor Handling Crane 2 x 5MT @ 15 m, knuckle boom Provision Crane 1 x Palfinger Folding Type - 2.0 MT @ 10 m - 1.1 MT @ 16.2 m LIFE SAVING / RESCUE EQUIPMENT / POLLUTION CONTROL Fast Rescue Boat Fitted Life Raft & Davit 6 x 16 men, conforming to SOLAS convention Firefighting FIFI II 7,400 m3/hr Oil dispersant spray boom at mid-ship on both sides, sprinkler system, fixed CO2 system ACCOMMODATION 1-Berth Cabins 12 2-Berth Cabins 2 4-Berth Cabins 2 Hospital 1 NAVIGATION AND COMMUNICATION GMDSS (Area A3) Mini-M Radars Gyro-compass Auto Pilot GPS Satellite Navigator SSB VHF

Echo Sounder Navtex receiver Weather fax AIS TOWING AND ANCHOR HANDLING EQUIPMENT Main Winch Rolls Royce Brattvaag Triple Drum, Low Pres sure, SL400W-3T Towing Drum Pull 400 MT @ 22.5 m/min Brake Holding 525 MT (static) 1,500 mm dia. x 3,200 mm dia. x 1,900 mm Capacity 1,732 m x 84 mm dia.

Working Drum Pull: 400 MT @ 22.5 m/min Brake Holding: 525 MT (static) 1,500 mm dia. x 3,200 mm dia. x 3,000 mm Capacity: 2,759 m x 84 mm dia.

Anchor Handling Drum Pull: 400 MT @ 22.5 m/min Brake Holding: 525 MT (static)1,500 mm dia. x 3,200 mm dia. x 4,870 mm w/ 900 mm Flange Socket Capacity on Stowage Part 4,503 m x 84 mm dia.

Rig Chain Lifters 2 x 76 mm or 83 mm Pull 370 MT @ 14.5 m/min w/ chutes/diverters for CL Secondary Winch 2 Drums x Rolls Royce Brattvaag, ALMX6418U Each Drum Pull 138 MT @ 28.0 m/min Brake Holding 170 MT (dynamic) Main drum 1,500 mm dia. x 4,50mm dia. x 4,500 mm Socket Part 1,500 mm dia. x 4,500 mm dia. x 900 mm Capacity 1,600 m x 203 mm dia. synthetic rope 4,000 m x 76 mm dia. wire rope Storage Reel Rolls Royce Brattvaag ALMX6310 Pull 10 MT @ 65 m/min 1,000 mm dia. x 2,600 mm dia. x 2,200 mm Capacity 1,500 m x 76 mm dia.

Spooling Gear Fitted on all drums Others Pennant Winder fitted

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UMKHUSELI

On call on the coast

LEFT: The Umkhuseli tests her Fire Fighting equipment.

BELOW LEFT: The vessel participates in a joint emergency response exercise in Table Bay.

Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) unit, Atlanta, from East London to Cape Town. In addition, she towed the general cargo vessel, Industrial Skipper, into the Port of Cape Town, showcasing the team’s versaPHOTOS: Captain Tshepo Serero, along with the Officers and Crew of the ‘Umkhuseli’, have responded to multiple marine emergencies along the Southern African coastline, delivering critical services such as emergency response, safety standby, rescue towage, search and rescue, environmental protection, and salvage operations.

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tility and expertise.

Two months later, in August, assisted by Siyanda, the Umkhuseli was mobilised from Cape Town to execute an emergency tow of the bulk carrier, Iolcos Dignity, to Durban after engine failure left her stranded 70 nautical miles off East London.

The following month, in September, she provided towing assistance from Mossel Bay to Cape Town to a tug that had experienced an onboard fire. The casualty was inspected and safely secured with the support of a salvage team prior to the tow.

The Umkhuseli then assisted the bulk carrier, Antwerp Eagle, with an emergency standby operation during engine immobilisation off Mossel Bay. Responding to another fire incident in October, the AHTSV was dispatched to provide support to a fishing vessel located south of Cape Agulhas.

On arrival at the scene, it was evident that the vessel had sunk following the safe evacuation of crew the previous day.

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Getting on board The vessel is currently crewed by 18 under Captain Tshepo Serero. Prior to Serero taking command, she was captained by a list of capable leaders including Captain Sanesh Maharaj, Captain Simon Radebe, Captain Cedric Mbatha and Captain Reagan Paul.

With an emphasis on developing the skills of the seafarers within their fleet, AMSOL employs a crew rotation scheme that focuses on developing the capabilities of officers and crew. The aim is to ensure business continuity in line with the transformational goals of the company.

This commitment to local seafarer development means that the vessel is 100% crewed by South Africans at all times. In addition, Dynamic Positioning (DP) training has been undertaken and completed by three of the engineers and one of the officers onboard the Umkhuseli.

Recognising the importance of cadet training, AMSOL continues to ensure that berths are available throughout their fleet. Since acquiring Umkhuseli, she has provided opportunities to 20 cadets – 16 of which were women.

With a successful track record built over her almost four years of operation along the South African coastline, the Umkhuseli is indeed a protector of the maritime environment as well as of the lives of seafarers in peril at sea.

On call on the coast

UMKHUSELI

AMSOL is a specialist solutions provider and partner to clients who operate in marine environments. As a market leader, AMSOL is the only marine solutions provider in the region that is employee and management owned, and is a catalyst for economic empowerment and shared value creation.

www.amsol.global Maritime Review Africa ON BOARD 2025

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OPL OPERATIONS

A DOMINANT A dominant fleet

FLEET

t

Ready to launch and provide reliable services to passing ships’ traffic, Offshore Maritime Services’ (OMS) fleet of eight fit-for-purpose vessels represent a dominant portion of the boats providing off port limit (OPL) services along the South African coastline.

T

e o n fleet i e i ed to a e t an o t and e and de i e ea oad to a in i i ed it a an e o ea o and in a o in din o e d a i ane on e e ted a n e t e fleet a o o e ene o de a e to a ommodate oad a a e a tonne n addi on e ent ade a e o ided ideo and omm ni a on in t at o ide t e o e d t ont o e ea me o e i t o t e e e a i e o a ondion on ite and o e a on o e i a a o t an o ted t e oat and e in de o e i ed a e a t ea ma ine ea e i ment di in ea e ai mate ia o ne and i a o e a ona ie

Safe crew transfers ate in o e an e nde tand t e need to o on om o t en t an o n ea a e to and om t ei i and i ommi ed to en in a et t o o t t e t an e et een t e a n and a t e o omme ia e e

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e ent o idin e t an e o t to t e West Polaris a i t ene a on t a dee ate d i i t e a n e om eted t e ta in t e i e onne t an e a et o e ien and a et en e in on t i met od o t an e t e a et i an inte na ona a e ted man idin i a a o m de i ned to float i ne e a and minimi e i to e onne in t e e ent o onta t it t e i ide t i oi ted and o e ed t e i ane i e ta ine a a ed nde neat a o t e o t e to ide t e a et a e to and om t e e e de i tem a a o ed d in o e a on to e i e t e o d a e t i e a in e e t e Solitaire e eo e e mem e ee ae t an e ed d in a o oe t

Ready to launch e nim e fleet i a o a e to i e ond to di a ed e e e OMS Defiant, o e am e e ent e onded to a di a ed ontaine i o

a dan a a ni a ed ed a a o t ta t e o e a on e tended into m e da demon t a n fle i i it and ommitment

Fit-for-purpose din t e t o a e e e t ea e a ea eo t e fleet i t ee ea and a eat e a mini m on t on ma in o ne maintenan e ea e atama an a o o ide e io om o t e e ia in ad eat e ondi on ne e e a e een de i ned to e i e minima maintenan e and a e e ed ed e o maintenan e o t i ni ant e e i none o t e t i a i in and ain n maintenan e no ma a oiated it o e a n a tee ed e e a ene a ana e od e eed am i a a o ed t e e manent em o ed maintenan e team to on ent ate on t e o e a ed e i ment a o i t a ane and e ated in a t t e e ea e o maintenan e a o en e ent en it a de ided to e a e a ai o e i ed en ine on one o t e ne e e e e ate t a ai a e mode ee o de ed a on it t ei te ni a ade and t e e e e e a ed it in a e ot ee a eed am o n

ent o e a n o t o a e t a in een a e

OPL OPERATIONS

A dominant fleet

OFFSHORE SUPPLIER Length overall: Beam: Draft (laden): Gross tonnage: Speed: Deck Area: Deck Cargo: Hold Volume: Deck Crane: Crew: Passengers:

m m m not m tonne m tonne 5

da i

OMS DEFIANT / OMS DIFFERENCE OMS DELIVERS Length overall: Beam: Draft: Speed: Deck Area: Deck Cargo: Crew: Passengers:

m m m not m tonne 4

OMS DOMINANT Length overall: Beam: Draft: Gross tonnage: Speed: Passengers: Deck Area: Deck Cargo: Deck Crane: Berths:

m m m not m tonne tonne

da i et

OMS SHUTTLE

d in t e o o e n e in oom in A oa a eed am a t e om an i a e in a o t an t at in de et nin to e e a e add t at on ide a on to o e ate o t o t e o t o an o d de end on de e o ment in t at o t A one o t e e ta i ed o e ato a a a maintained a om ement o e manent em o ed a ee at ma ine

it o fleet o ei t e o e o t A i an i t e i e e e in o fleet e a e a ed t at e a e a ma et eadin de i n t at i e a e te ted and de i e a ai i e e ond o e e ta on a a in and in oi te o eat e a eed am addin t at a t o t e ea e ent no an o ne id o d t e need a i e a ne e e an e de i e ed it in ee o a in an o de

Length overall: Beam: Draft: Speed: Passengers: Deck Area: Deck Cargo: Passengers:

m m m not m tonne

OMS DASH / OMS DILIGENT Length overall: Beam: Draft: Gross Tonnage: Speed: Passengers: Deck Area: Deck Cargo: Passengers:

m m m <25 not m tonne 6

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CAPABLE | PROFESSIONAL | RELIABLE

OFF PORT LIMITS

SHIPS SERVICES

TRANSPORT SERVICES

MARINE SERVICES

Professional launch service company operating custom-built vessels e et t e ind t tanda d to on i tent de i e a e a a e e ia e and o e iona ot imit e i e a n

ma ine e i e

o a

www.marineservices.co.za

CAPABLE

OFFSHORE MARITIME SERVICES

LEGACY MARINE

Showcase of iconic deliveries

BUILDING

ICONIC BOATS

Image of USV for illustration purposes.

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At Legacy Marine, we understand that each vessel has a unique set of requirements. Whether you need a standard design or a completely bespoke creation, we bring a wealth of experience and expertise to every project. Our engineering team and partners are adept at designing and building vessels that meet the specific operational needs of our clients, with a focus on safety, performance, and durability.

Showcase of iconic deliveries

LEGACY MARINE

With several iconic aluminium vessels operating along the African Coastline, Legacy Marine is building a solid reputation locally and on the continent for their specialised boats that offer a range of custom solutions. Delivering a range of workboats, research vessels and offshore support platforms, the Eastern Cape boatyard works closely with clients throughout the build process, from design to finished vessel, to ensure that every detail is meticulously considered and every launch meets the highest standards.

Currently celebrating two decades of excellence, Legacy Marine is focused on remaining at the cutting edge of new technology.

Recent collaborations with new clients are positioning the company at the forefront of global trends in vessel design and contributing to the advancement of the local maritime engineering sector.

Based in Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth), South Africa, Legacy Marine offers a range of high quality vessels.

With a range of ecotourism boats found in most of the inland waters of Africa as well as custom-built workboats and cutting-edge research vessels, the boatyard has earned its reputation for precision craftsmanship, robust engineering, and superior performance.

Commitment to quality and innovation Legacy Marine’s success over the past 20 years is driven by a commitment to excellence in design, engineering, and craftsmanship. From high performance workboats to sophisticated research vessels, each Legacy Marine vessel reflects their unwavering dedication to quality and innovation.

The state-of-the-art production facilities help combine modern manufacturing techniques with a deep understanding of the unique demands of the maritime industry.

Whether it’s building vessels for harsh offshore environments or for coastal research, Legacy Marine delivers boats that meet the highest standards for safety, performance, and longevity.

DESIGN | REDEFINING AUTONOMY AT SEA Introducing Legacy Marine’s recently completed, cutting-edge USV (Unmanned Surface Vessel) – a ground-breaking collaboration with Icarus Marine and Noble Concentric Solutions that marks a first for the African continent.

Designed and built to be fully autonomous from the outset, this vessel is built for performance, precision, and adaptability in diverse maritime environments.

With a length of 8.5 metres and a high-performance aluminium monohull with no wheelhouse, the USV delivers impressive speed and control — reaching top speeds in excess of 40 knots. Its advanced navigation and propulsion systems allow for fully autonomous operation, communication, and data capture capabilities.

Every facet of the vessel and its automation systems were successfully tested during a two month-long sea trial that was concluded in May 2025. Whether for autonomous fire-fighting, surveillance, research or defence applications, this vessel is built to lead and is fast, agile, and proudly engineered in Africa.

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LEGACY MARINE

Showcase of iconic deliveries

DESIGN | FIT FOR PURPOSE Having supplied several workboats to Off Port Limits (OPL) operators, Legacy Marine has created a fit-forpurpose vessel in the 14 to 16 metre range that is well-suited to undertake the specialised work provided by the sector to the passing ship trade.

Designed to be under 25 GT, the vessels have been delivered with deck load capacities of eight to 15 tons with space for up to 12 passengers.

Built with conventional stern gear, this class of vessel provides OPL operators with a cost-effective package that requires minimal manning while helping to position South Africa as a professional OPL destination.

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KEY SPECIFICATIONS: Length 15.6 m Aluminium Catamaran Type under 25 GT Use OPL Supply Vessel SPECIAL FEATURES: • Good load carrying capacity for size of vessel.

• Good stability at sea for safe crew changes.

• Designed to operate economically in coastal environments.

• Custom-built to owners exact requirements.

• Efficient operational cost at under 25 GT.

Showcase of iconic deliveries

LEGACY MARINE

DESIGN | A FOCUS ON FUNCTIONALITY Built for the National Research Foundation (NRF) of South Africa and operated by the South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity, the RV Phakisa and the RV Observer are 16 metre sophisticated coastal research vessels that operate from the Ports of Durban and Port Elizabeth respectively.

KEY SPECIFICATIONS: Length 16m Type Coastal Research Vessel Marine Research and Coastal Use Monitoring

Both vessels are equipped with advanced research and monitoring equipment and are designed to perform a variety of tasks, from marine research to coastal environmental studies.

With a focus on functionality, the vessels are equipped with both duty and standby units for all essential onboard systems, ensuring continuous operation in the event of a failure.

This redundancy system ensures that critical functions such as navigation, communication and

SPECIAL FEATURES: • Highly sophisticated systems with duty and standby units.

research equipment remain operational even in adverse conditions.

One of the most notable features of RV Observer is its remarkable design in under 25 Gross Tons (GT).

Despite the compact size, the vessel includes impressive amenities such as six berths, ablutions, and a galley, ensuring that researchers and crew are fully supported during their coastal expeditions.

• Featuring six berths, ablutions, and a galley onboard.

• Designed to operate in coastal and offshore environments.

• Custom-built research and monitoring equipment.

• Efficient operation under 25 GT for ease of operation and access to a variety of waterways.

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LEGACY MARINE

Showcase of iconic deliveries

DESIGN | ENGINEERED TO SERVICE In partnership with Stapem Offshore, a leading French offshore service provider, Legacy Marine was commissioned to design and build two 19 metre catamaran workboats: Beluga and Narval.

These Incat Crowther custom-designed vessels were specifically engineered to serve as Air Dive boats for servicing Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) units in the challenging Angolan waters of West Africa.

Both vessels were built with robust and highly functional designs, tailored to handle the demanding conditions of offshore diving operations.

Their multi-purpose capabilities allow them to support air diving teams and provide essential services for the maintenance and operation of offshore FPSOs. These vessels are equipped with stateof-the-art systems that ensure safety, efficiency, and stability, even in the most turbulent waters.

KEY SPECIFICATIONS: Length 19 m Type Catamaran Workboat Air Dive Operations for FPSO Use servicing SPECIAL FEATURES: • Air dive systems.

• Heavy-duty deck space for diving equipment and cargo.

• High stability for offshore operations.

• Engineered for challenging offshore conditions.

Our team of skilled engineers, designers, and craftsmen works tirelessly to ensure that every boat we build is perfectly suited to its intended purpose. With a focus on custom solutions and exceptional customer service, Legacy Marine continues to set the standard for aluminium boat manufacturing in South Africa and beyond.

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FLEET OVERVIEW

ai o ed o fle i i it

TAILORED

FOR FLEXIBILITY

i

When OSC Marine Africa acquired the maritime division of Servest in late 2024, the emphasis was on maintaining a presence in the local off port limits (OPL) market by upgrading the fleet with a focused approach to safety.

OCEAN NDJODHI Length overall: Beam: Draft (laden): Gross tonnage: Speed: Deck Area: Deck Cargo: Crew: Passengers:

m m m 66

o

not m tonne 5

OCEAN STAR Length overall: Beam: Draft (laden): Gross tonnage: Speed: Deck Area: Deck Cargo: Passengers:

m m m not m tonne 20

SEA CARRIER/SEA EXPRESS Length overall: m Beam: m Draft (laden): m Gross tonnage: Speed: not Deck Area: m Deck Cargo: tonne Fresh Water Delivery: tonne Crew: 5 Passengers:

OCEAN SURGE/OCEAN PHUTHUMA Length overall: Beam: Draft (laden): Gross tonnage: Speed: Deck Area: Deck Cargo: Crew: Passengers:

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m m m < 25 not m tonne 3 an a e o n

Maritime Review Africa ON BOARD 2025

I

n ee in it t i i ion a ine a in e ted mo e t an mi ion in t e e i ment ene a and e andin o t e fleet o e t e o e o t e ea to a i n it e i n t in ent a et oto o ad e ed to a o t e

it a fleet o nine e e t e om an i one o t e i e a e in t e ma et and a a med it o i on a dominant o e ato in t e o to an a e a t e o t o a e o n e a e e e ien ed i ni ant o t o e t e a t e o i ea and a e een oo in o an o o t nit to e and o fleet a e et e o a nea o e and ea ma et a i e e o o o nde and o a ine And e end i e ana in e e at o e e i e a t at t e aim i to o ide a de enda e tai o ed a n e i e to t e ma ine ind t a i ita n t e t an e o e o i ion i a e and e ate to e e at an o a e o e ond o t imit fleet o e ate a o nd t e o en in eam e o t e a addin t at t e e ent ade e e ent t e om an ommitment to o idin a e t o oe e e it in t i demandin en i onment t it i not on a o t o idin a o t fleet a a e o de i e in t e om an i e a o ed on en in t at t ei fleet i e ed a team o e t ained om etent e onne ea e omote and d i e t an o ma on and i de e o ment in o om an t o t ainin and a en e i o o t ni e o ement and ea n a e e enta e o o e e a end i e a o i i t t e inte na a et t e i o e n t e o e a on o t e en e o e o e to a i n t e o t e di i ion it t e tanda d a e ted in an o e a o o A a a d den a on i A e met o e e e a i i n a de i ion to o o t o a e at a me e en t o it i not a A A e i ement t mean t at a a e i e o ide e meet t e t in ent a et en ma o o inte na ona ient in t e oi and a e to e add o n t e a iet o e e t at ent o e ate in t e e to e o a o ee t e oten a to de e o ne e o e e e o t e ma et A an en inee in om an a ead de i n and i d t ei o n e e a ed te no o and eanin e i ment e e i an o o t nit to an e t e a e o and on ent ate on te no o ie and o e a on e a e ainin t at i in t e o e a a et tanda d a o a n e i e o d ene t t e o a ma et e o em a i e t at ent in e tment and o t i aimed at de e o in a o d a and o od t e onne and e i e t at meet inte na ona ma i me and o o e e i ement

ai o ed o fle i i it

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ON THE BOOKSHELF

A Good Read

A TUG AT MY HEART A Tug At My Heart is an essential read for anyone with an interest in South Africa’s maritime history. Co-authored by Captain Okkert-Ernst Grapow and Tony Westby-Nunn, the 237-page publication provides a dense and descriptive account of the iconic John Ross and Wolraad Woltemade.

“This collection of narratives is dedicated to all those who came into contact with the two large South African salvage tugs, and to whom these ships made a significant and unforgettable impact in their chosen profession. To the reader this book must appear fiercely partisan, but this stance is borne out of the great affection for these two special tugs,” writes Captain Grapow in his foreword.

The book aims to position the tugs within the context of the events that led to them being called into service and subsequently becoming household names both locally and internationally. Built in the 1970’s as two of the largest tugs of their kind in the world, the book chronicles their lifespan highlighting the many incidents that they were involved in as well as the people that served on board.

What makes the publication especially enticing is the wealth of photos and collection of handwritten letters, documents and charts - making it a compelling read. This is more than a meticulously compiled history of these two ships – it is a deeply personal tribute that explains why these two vessels became so much more than inanimate tugs fulfilling a requirement along the South African coastline.

The title is therefore extremely apt – and the reader will gain a clear insight as to why these ships did indeed tug at the heart of all those that encountered them.

CAPE TOWN’S DOCKLAND “This most attractive high-quality documentary takes readers from the wooden jetties of yesteryear to today’s towering container gantries and the Waterfront allure.”

As one of South Africa’s most renowned maritime writers and documenters of the country’s nautical heritage, Brian Ingpen once again delivers a sumptuous coffee table book brimming with images from his own personal photographic collection of all types of port visitors from trawlers to mailships and naval vessels.

Although relying on the author’s personal reflections, the publication also establishes itself as an important record of the development of the harbour to which Cape Town owes its origin and growth.

It is books such as this that remind us of the importance of print – the physical act of paging through such a publication cannot be usurped by scrolling through internet links.

With evocative text and over 750 images, you can "smell the sea, you can taste the salt, you can see the cargoes". Every single page includes photos, stories, details and descriptions of ships.

Designed to entice the casual reader as well as ardent maritime fan, the almost 300 pages provide a glimpse into the workings of one of South Africa's most iconic commercial harbours.

This book creates an occasion to find a comfortable chair, brew a good cup of coffee and lose one’s self in a nautical meander.

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Maritime Review Africa ON BOARD 2025

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