COLLABORATION KEY TO ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
It is the combination of experienced seafarers, a fit for purpose vessel and access to extensive resources that enables effective marine emergency response and standby services. AMSOL’s footprint across the region ensures that the South African coastline is well covered should support be required; and the protection of the marine environment prioritised.
Recent operations demonstrate effective collaboration.
The grounding of the fishing vessel ‘Elke M’ earlier this year at St Francis Bay, South Africa, highlighted the importance of timely response in protecting the marine environment. AMSOL’s Emergency Towing Vessel ‘Umkhuseli’ was mobilised promptly and arrived timeously at the location. This co-incided with a focus shift to pollutant removal from the vessel; emphasizing the project’s priorities in proactive environmental protection.
The operation was a collaborative effort led by Department of Transport (DOT), South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA), and the Incident Management Organization (IMOrg), including AMSOL and various stakeholders such as vessel owners, insurers, municipal officials, the NSRI, environmental management organizations, and other relevant parties.
More recently, the ‘Umkhuseli’ provided essential safety standby services to the bulk carrier ‘Diamond Star I’ whilst the vessel carried out main engine repairs offshore Mossel Bay.
Further north, the tug ‘Siyanda’ played a crucial role in assisting the cargo vessel ‘Star Navarra’, which had experienced main engine difficulties and required assistance to navigate safely to Port. The ‘Siyanda’ escorted the vessel from the outer anchor to the breakwater in the Port of Durban where TNPA tugs took over, showing seamless teamwork in maritime support.
AMSOL’s commitment to emergency response extends beyond incidents. As a standing member of IMOrg, AMSOL participated in the National Oil Spill Roadshow Contingency Plan Workshop held in Cape Town in February. Marine Operations Manager Siphokazi Mbaba presented on ‘Pollution Prevention on the Coast and the role of the Emergency Response Vessel’; underscoring AMSOL’s role in proactive marine pollution prevention measures.
The roadshow, attended by representatives from key stakeholders including DOT, SAMSA, Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment (DFFE), Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA), spill responders, and environmental organizations, serves to inform and enhance awareness about strategies prevent and to reduce the impact of incidents in South Africa’s oceans.
