A FITTING TRIBUTE: ‘SA AMANDLA’

AMSOL hosted a 3-day exhibition at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town from the 17^th to the 19^th of August 2023 which was designed to pay tribute to the maritime icon ‘SA Amandla’. After decades of unmatched service to the maritime and shipping industries, and as advances in technology and innovation open a window on the future, key industry stakeholders involved in the tug’s life took time out to celebrate her unique legacy.

Captain Okke Grapow who originally developed the specifications for the tug together with his team, and Lungile Ndima, the youngest Cadet currently serving on the ‘SA Amandla’, officially opened the Tribute exhibition during a cocktail function attended by AMSOL clients and industry representatives.

The series of events included an Open Day for school learners and students to visit the exhibition and the tug, a public Open Day and a special event for those who sailed onboard the tug or had a close association with her history. Over the 3 days, the exhibition and tug were visited by hundreds of people who had the privilege of being taken on a guided tour and meeting Officers and Crew onboard, who are immensely proud to be associated with the vessel. The exhibition not only highlighted the important role the ‘SA Amandla’ has played during her 48 years of service but also showcased South Africa’s marine pollution prevention efforts and its successes.

Just ahead of her retirement, the tug had a busy operational period in June and July which included the tow of a disabled Japanese fishing boat from 400 miles east of East London to Cape Town. Timeous intervention saw her avert a potential grounding when she towed the disabled Bulk Carrier ‘Sea Gemini’ from around 1,6 miles off Noordhoek beach to safety offshore and, thereafter, stood by the bulk carrier ‘Bao Min’ in Algoa Bay whilst she carried out engine repairs; enabling her to continue her voyage to the east safely.