SA, Japanese partnership boosts maritime sector

The South African government's efforts to grow the country's maritime economic sector have been given yet another boost with the formal registration of a Merchant Vessel under the country's flag.

The 300 metre long Japanese built vessel is owned by a private South African company, Vuka Marine.

Transport Minister, Dipuo Peters has unveiled the vessel at a function held at the Saldanha Port on the Cape West Coast.

“We are going to be in a position to bring in South African flagged and registered ships that will be carrying cargo from South Africa to other countries, like the far east, this is strictly on a commercial basis to make our venture successful,” says Chairperson Vuka Marine, Andrew Mthembu.

South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) calls this a step forward for the country.

“By doing what we started now we bringing South Africa into the games of shipping and logistics,” says SAMSA’s CEO, Tsietsi Mokhele.

The ship has a capacity to carry 170 000 tons of Anglo American's Kumba's iron ore mines. Its cargo is destining for Asian markets.

“The partnership between the Vuka Marine and the Japanese is going to result in skills for the people of South African in particular the young people,” says Transport Minister.

A number of South African Sea Cadets will sail with the ship for six months as part of their officer training programme.