A proudly South African partnership

As a Strategic Partner, Two Oceans Marine Manufacturing is making an invaluable contribution to the NSRI’s rescue capabilities.

“Two Oceans Marine has been supporting the NSRI since 1996,” says Stuart Moerdyk, Corporate Relationship and Retail Manager for the NSRI. “The company came on board as Gold Partners in 2015, and then in 2018, they became Platinum Partners. In 2020 they became Strategic Partners alongside DHL, Gemini Marine and Mitsubishi.”

The company’s relationship with the NSRI escalated significantly when it won the tender as the preferred partner in the Ocean Rescue Craft (ORC) project. “Two Oceans Marine is building our new deep-sea fleet based on the ORC designed in France. The project aims to replace the entire deep-sea fleet with a more technically fit for purpose deep sea rescue vessel,” Moerdyk explains.

The first fully South African-built ORC is currently in use at Station 17 in Hermanus. In a recent operation, the ORC, named The Legacy, was launched to help recover a casualty vessel. A towline was established and the 20 passengers and four crew members onboard were towed safely to Hermanus Harbour. This is just one example of the countless rescues that these vessels have been responsible for.

Another seven ORCs will be built on South African soil over the next five to eight years. In addition to the obvious benefits of creating an updated fleet, building the ORCs in South Africa creates an opportunity for skills development as well as job creation. “This project contributes to developing skills in the boat-building industry, most notably the specialisation of composite offshore search and rescue craft building,” says Mark Delany, Managing Director of Two Oceans Marine Manufacturing. “Working with the NSRI on this project is a true pleasure. The NSRI’s input into the South African boat-building industry and the economy is invaluable. By using a local manufacturer, they are providing and supporting numerous families, both directly and indirectly.”

The first fully South African-built ORC is currently in use at Station 17 in Hermanus. Another seven vessels will be built on South African soil over the next five to eight years.

“Most of all, we are honoured and proud to be launching vessels that we hope will save many lives for many years to come. The work that the NSRI does is important beyond measure for any water user in South Africa,” Delany says.