Yesterday saw the launch of new South African owned, black women-managed bunkering company, South African Marine Fuels (SAMF), in Algoa Bay, Eastern Cape.
The company is based at the Coega Development Corporation’s Business Centre.
According to SAMF managing director, Siyamthanda Maya, the company has three barges which are operated by SAMF.
Maya said that the bunkering industry would breed sustainable growth for South Africa’s economy but noted that it was important to invest in skills development and skills transfer.
“The entry of SA Marine Fuels into the offshore bunkering industry signals the winds of change in our province in as far as the ocean economy,” added MEC for Finance, Economic Development and Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Lubabalo Mabuyane.
He noted that Algoa Bay was the only port in the country that had licensed offshore bunkering operations as it was well positioned as a stopover en route to various destinations. Algoa Bay is located a few miles from heavily trafficked shipping lanes including the busy East-West routes.
