Cape Town - Anglo American renewed its various ocean freight contracts with Vuka Marine, a joint venture between Via Maritime Holdings of South Africa and Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha of Japan.
Under these freight contracts, Anglo American transports bulk iron ore and coal products to its customers around the world.
Vuka Marine has committed to deploy and train local cadets on these vessels.
Peter Whitcutt, CEO of marketing for Anglo American, said over the past two and half years, the partnership with Vuka Marine has allowed it to create additional value through its commercial shipping activity.
This partnership currently accounts for approximately $30m in annual freight spend.
Andrew Mthembu, chair of Vuka Marine said the ocean economy remains an untapped sector for economic growth in South Africa.
Whitcutt added that the partnership with Vuka Marine has contributed to Anglo American’s competitiveness.
“We are in a very competitive international environment, and we must manage our costs and commercial terms to ensure we remain competitive. By chartering SA-registered vessels, we are creating real value, over and above commercial returns,” he said.
"Using ships such as the Cape Orchid and Cape Enterprise enables Anglo American to take advantage of the competitive structure that exists for vessels entering the country under the South African registry."
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