Trade and Industry Minister Dr Rob Davies has highlighted the job creation and investment benefits to the country from a R1.4-billion contract to build two offshore supply vessels in Cape Town. He was speaking on Thursday at the naming of the first of the two craft. He described the programme as a boost to the local shipbuilding industry, as it would lead to an investment in the country of R1.2-billion and create more than 500 jobs.

The vessels were ordered from Damen Shipyards Cape Town by SMIT Amandla Marine, which will operate them in support of De Beers Group offshore diamond mining activities on the country’s west coast. They will be based at Port Nolloth in the Northern Cape province.

“[The Department of Trade and Industry] designated working vessels for local production and the NT [National Treasury] issued the instruction note to that effect,” observed Davies. “The procurement of tug boats will go a long way in creating investment opportunities in the Blue/Ocean Economy, and will also show that there’s no need to procure vessels abroad when we can build quality ones locally.” (The new vessels can also act as tugs.)

He pointed out that the government had earmarked shipbuilding as a key economic force in the Ocean economy and that it was committed to supporting the growth of local manufacturing across the marine sector, to maintain competitiveness and preserve jobs. He reported that his department will give greater attention to accreditation and standards, and skills development.

There will also be a strategic marketing programme for the local marine industry. “Comprehensive marketing-related content will be set up by the DTI [Department of Trade and Industry] to market the country and investment opportunities in the Blue/Ocean economy,” he said.

“Together with the De Beers Group and Damen Shipyards Cape Town, we have sustained jobs, ensured the transfer of skills and competence, utilised a distinctly South African supply chain, all in support of the South African government’s objectives,” highlighted SMIT Amandla Marine MD Paul Maclons. The company’s offshore support operation with the two new vessels will employ 60 South Africans, of whom 70% will be Port Nolloth residents.

The two offshore supply vessels are to the Damen Shoalbusters 3009S design. The first has been named Aukwatowa. They are 30 m long, with a shallow draught to allow them to operate from Port Nolloth (which can only take vessels with a draught of 2.8 m or less). The programme is running on time and on budget and the second vessel will be delivered next year. The Cape Town company is part of the Netherlands-based global Damen Shipyards Group.