VUKA Marine + Private Sector = More Jobs
VUKA Marine makes a shift to create more jobs
As you know by now, the Link Ship Chandlers team takes great care to stay informed of all the movements in the local and international shipping trade – especially when it concerns the promotion of job security in our local marine-based business sector.
This is why we are so happy to relay the news that VUKA Marine has joined forces with the private sector to boost local job creation via investment in upgraded South African trade vessels.
VUKA Marine is a South African bulk shipping company, a joint venture between Via Maritime Holdings of South Africa and K-Line of Japan. In March of this year, the company added an additional cargo ship (the largest in its class) to the SA ship register with the backing and financial support of their major mining client, Anglo American.
The new addition to the company’s impressive fleet is the Cape Acacia, a 206,000dwt Newcastlemax that was constructed in 2005, which now brings South Africa’s ship register to a cumulative deadweight capacity of 630 000 tonnes.
According to Mr Andrew Millard, CEO of Vuka Marine, they see the ships as a means to facilitate much-needed economic impact throughout South Africa, especially as it pertains to job creation at the grassroots level.
As such, Via Maritime Holdings (the majority shareholder in VUKA Marine), has been hard at work to generate fresh sourcing channels that are in compliance with international standards and also hinge on best employer practices. Although this is an ongoing process, the success of this project is already evident in the robust trajectory of young SA citizens who have gained employment on VUKA Marine ships.
Mr Pranill Ramchander, Executive Head of Corporate Affairs at Anglo American has stated that their company believes that direct investment in shipping and the industry’s associated infrastructure is an ideal way to support the SA economy from the inside out.
How’s that for some good news? Check back soon for more information on the developments regarding the VUKA Marine trade vessel project, and other newsworthy marine-related events and happenings from around the globe.
In the meantime, feel free to get in touch with a member of the Link Ship Chandlers team if you would like to learn more about the 24/7/365 chandling support and services we provide from ports in Cape Town, Saldanha, Gqeberha, Coega, East London, Durban and Richards Bay.
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