South Africa Moves to Relaunch National Shipping Line

More than 25 years after the sale of Safmarine to Maersk, South Africa is making strides toward establishing a new state-backed shipping company.

Originally proposed in 2017, the initiative is now gaining momentum. The Department of Transport has begun inviting industry stakeholders to join a steering committee that will help shape the structure and strategy for the new venture. The project is being developed in partnership with the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA).

The prospective carrier, expected to operate under the name South African Shipping Company (SASCO), is being designed to handle a range of vessel types. These may include crude oil and chemical tankers, container ships, dry bulk carriers, and bunker barges — acquired either as newbuilds or secondhand vessels. All of the ships in the fleet will sail under the South African flag.

The move represents a significant shift for a country that hasn’t had a national carrier since Safmarine, once known for its distinctive white hulls, was sold to Maersk in 1999. The Danish shipping giant eventually retired the Safmarine brand altogether five years ago.

With SASCO now on the horizon, South Africa appears ready to reestablish a national maritime presence in global shipping.