EXPANDING OFFSHORE FLEET ENSURES COASTWISE COVERAGE

To further strengthen its capabilities, AMSOL has invested in the expansion of its Offshore Marine Services Fleet – the latest acquisition being an Anchor Handling Tug Supply Vessel, which will be renamed ‘Inkanyezi’ later this month.

She joins a fleet of tugs, including the ‘Umkhuseli’, ‘Nomasa’ and ‘Siyanda’, that together provide coastwide coverage along the Southern African coast, supporting offshore operations across the region.

In partnership with the Department of Transport and the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA), the ‘Umkhuseli’ responds to marine emergencies on call-out and provides critical services, including marine emergency response, safety standby, rescue towage, search and rescue, environmental protection, and salvage.

Working closely with the Marine Rescue Coordination Centre, the ‘Umkhuseli’ is available 24/7/365 along the South African coast and serves as a vital platform for the training and development of South African seafarers, offering essential seagoing experience to mariners entering the profession.

Emergency response efforts are further supported by other tugs in the AMSOL fleet, which provide assistance for standby and intervention operations as needed to ensure national coverage.

With a dedicated team of experienced Masters, Officers, and Crew onboard ‘Umkhuseli’, supported by a shore-based management team, AMSOL works closely with the Department of Transport and SAMSA to safeguard South Africa’s marine environment. In 2024, 11 marine emergency response interventions were successfully executed, preventing 20, 000 tonnes of marine fuel from entering the environment and protecting the South African coastline.