To address the lack of specialized equipment and companies for maritime freight transport, South Africa launched the design phase of its new shipping company, the South African Shipping Company (SASCO), on May 30. Once established, the company is expected to end the country’s dependence on foreign companies for the transport of its goods to importing countries.
According to the South African government’s official website, authorities officially launched the design phase of the new national shipping company, called the South African Shipping Company (SASCO), on May 30, 2025. According to the South African government, the SASCO initiative aims to restore South Africa’s maritime sovereignty by reducing its dependence on foreign carriers for its trade. Currently, nearly 100% of South Africa’s imports and exports are handled by foreign vessels, a situation deemed vulnerable, particularly in the face of global supply chain disruptions.
“It should be noted that this initiative raises many challenges. First, it requires significant investment, then it is necessary to face international competition, and finally, to think about the balance of the economic model, that is, it will be necessary to know how to link economic profitability and national development.”
Kluther Chamfort Nantsap, International Trade Expert – Cameroon
The SASCO fleet is expected to include various types of vessels, such as new or used oil tankers, chemical tankers, container ships, bulk carriers, and bunker barges, under the South African flag. The committee responsible for developing the future company’s business model, in collaboration with the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA), is expected to explore various options, including acquiring vessels or acquiring local operators.
“The South African government’s decision to create a shipping company is both strategic and bold, with several benefits. First, it reduces dependence on foreign carriers, which improves the security and reliability of trade. Second, it provides better control over its supply chains.”
Kluther Chamfort Nantsap, International Trade Expert – Cameroon
It should be noted that this project is part of the Integrated Maritime Transport Policy adopted in 2017, which identifies the lack of a national fleet as a major obstacle to South Africa’s maritime competitiveness. Experts see the creation of SASCO as an opportunity for South Africa to strengthen its maritime expertise, boost its blue economy, and secure its trade.
