Company Announcement - Representing a significant investment, black empowered specialist marine solutions company SMIT Amandla Marine has partnered with SAPREF to build the ‘Sibanye,’ a linerunner (utility boat), at Southern African Shipyards in Durban, South Africa. For an operation of national importance, increasing the efficiency of the offshore tanker terminal off Durban is a constant focus for SAPREF in order to sustain the country’s fuel supply.  As SAPREF’s service provider for offshore terminal management, SMIT Amandla Marine supports this objective. The ‘Sibanye’ will supplement the tugs ‘SMIT Siyanda’ and ‘Siyakhula’, currently working on contract out of Durban.

SAPREF Managing Director Mr. Ton Wielers said, “The commissioning of this vessel is another example of continuous operational improvement and demonstrates the serious nature of operating a key asset such as the offshore terminal according to high safety standards.” For SMIT Amandla Marine Managing Director Mr. Paul Maclons, the vessel’s arrival symbolizes another milestone in the company’s history. “Fleet expansion is a key business strategy and supports our long term commitments to training and development of our seafarers and ongoing investment in the South African maritime industry.”

Southern African Shipyards CEO, Mr. Prasheen Maharaj, indicated that the contract to construct the ‘Sibanye’ could not have come at a better time as the industry was experiencing a severe down turn as a result of the global economic crisis. “This contract resulted in a number of jobs being saved and new jobs being created. I applauded SMIT Amandla Marine’s commitment to Operation Phakisa, a Presidential initiative to develop and realize the full potential of the Ocean/Blue Economy for the benefit of the people of South Africa.”

The decision to build the ‘Sibanye’ locally showcases support for shipbuilding and related sectors in South Africa. The vessel is 16m in length with a bollard pull of 11 ton. Officially named at a ceremony in Durban on Thursday morning, the ‘Sibanye’ is capable of providing offshore assistance as well as emergency support, if required, to tankers calling at the offshore terminal.

In keeping with maritime tradition, the vessel was named by a Lady Sponsor, Ms Tanya Kabalin of Shell South Africa, a board member of SAPREF. A choir and praise singer from JG Zuma High School joined in celebrating the milestone. JG Zuma High School is one of the few in South Africa offering Nautical Science and Maritime Economics subjects to learners and SMIT Amandla Marine recently donated R50 000 worth of learning resources to the school.