It may not fit everybody’s budget, but a unique South African vessel is on the market.
Just make sure you have somewhere to berth it.
The SA Agulhas was SA’s first Arctic research and supply vessel. It was built in 1977 as the primary support vessel for the South African Antarctic mission.
It was replaced by the hi-tech SA Agulhas II several years ago and subsequently acquired by the South African Maritime Safety Authority (Samsa) to provide “a dedicated training vessel to properly maximise the potential of the emerging blue economy”, Samsa said in its SA Agulhas tender document.
Samsa continues to seek socioeconomic advantage so as to ensure maximum return for both Samsa and the nation as a whole
— Samsa
However, financial constraints and changing priorities prompted the decision to sell the vessel.
“That said, Samsa continues, during the disposal process, to seek socioeconomic advantage to ensure maximum return for Samsa and the nation as a whole,” the tender document says.
Prospective bidders should be aware of the ship’s impressive proportions — a normal boathouse will not suffice. The ship is 112m long and has a gross tonnage of 6,122.96. It has a range of 15,000 nautical miles and a 90-day endurance.
It would also be best to read the fine print before you buy as the vessel will still be needed for training.
Samsa has confirmed the sale but declined to divulge further details. “A tender was issued in June 2023, but Samsa is not in a position currently to divulge detail of the market’s response, pending the completion of an evaluation process,” it said.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.