A legend retires

SA Amandla celebrates long service

SOUTH AFRICA: Owners of the SA Amandla (formerly the John Ross) have planned a fitting tribute to the vessel as she reaches retirement that includes an expo at the V&A Waterfront to allow both members of the public as well as those with a historic tie to the vessel to celebrate her unique contribution to the South African maritime space.

Built in Durban in the 1970’s, the 48-year-old vessel, along with her sister tug, the Wolraad Woltemade, made history when they became the first government-sanctioned emergency response vessels in the world. In the ensuing decades she saved many lives, prevented countless marine casualties as well as prevented tonnes of marine fuel from polluting the South African coast.

The tugs’ custom-design for the severe sea and weather conditions experienced off of South Africa earned them a place in the record books and, for a very long time, they were regarded as the most powerful tugs of their kind in the world.

Now at the end of the SA Amandla’s working life, which included many years conducting long distance tow jobs around the world as part of the Global Towing Alliance, a decision has been made to recycle her hull and machinery.

While some of the towing equipment as well as navigational instruments are due to be removed before she leaves, the bulk of her machinery will remain on the vessel when she departs for her final voyage be recycled.

In addition, keepsakes and memorabilia will also be salvaged and kept in honour of her contribution to the response efforts along the South African coastline.

The hull represents more than 3,000 tonnes of steel that is suitable for recycling and brokers have assisted AMSOL in securing a suitable buyer to undertake this next chapter in the SA Amandla’s journey.

“A number of alternatives were considered,” says Clare Gomes, Strategic Planning & Communications Executive for AMSOL who understands the deep emotional connection that the vessel still fosters in the hearts of those who sailed on her as well as those who were impacted by her years of service.

Various options were investigated for her next phase of life that included ideas to repurpose her as floating accommodation for hire, for the superyacht market or even as a maritime museum, but none of these options were seen to be feasible.

It is believed that the three-day layover of the SA Amandla at the V&A Waterfront will provide enough of an opportunity for those connected to her legacy to reminisce as well as celebrate her contributions – and Gomes shares that international interest in attending has already been expressed.

The programme of events attached to her farewell will include an open day for the public, tours for students and a dedicated event for those that served on board. In addition, the exhibition and virtual “walk-through” will provide all maritime enthusiasts a glimpse of a true South African hero.

The retirement of the vessel will not have an impact on the permanently employed pool of seafarers serving on her as the company continues to operate a diverse fleet of versatile vessels including the Umkhuseli, which has already taken over the emergency response duties of the SA Amandla.

Acquired in 2021, the modern Anchor Handling Tug Supply Vessel (AHTSV) is significantly bigger than the SA Amandla and has already proved its mettle in the emergency response arena.