MyPE

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The cold does bring out a smile

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SA Agulhas II
SA Agulhas II

In contrast to the doom and gloom here – Maritime Industry not attractive to young people – at the African Maritime Domain Conference ending today in Port Elizabeth delegates were treated to a bit of a success story from Finland.

Captian Heikki Koivisto and Meri-Maija Marva did their country proud by showcasing just what they have achieved.

Contrary to popular belief, people from cold countries do possess a wickedly delightful sense of humour.

South Africa’s research ship SA Agulhas II – a polar supply and research vessel – was built in Finland and Captain Koivisto was the ships captain responsible for sea trials. A certain sense of pride was discernible when he declared that the Agulhas II was built on budget and on time.

The African continent would do well to borrow some of the Fins expertise when one considers:

  • Finland is a country of 5.5 Million people and has 52 ports
  • Of the 100 million tons of products imported and exported 80% of that is by ship.
  • Finlands population is serviced by 14 universities and 23 universities of applied sciences.
  • ALL of those universities are no fee universities.

S.A. Agulhas II is a South African icebreaking polar supply and research ship owned by the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA). She was built in 2012 by STX Finland Rauma shipyard in Rauma, Finland, to replace the ageing S.A. Agulhas, which is now being used as a maritime training ship. Unlike her predecessor, S. A. Agulhas II was designed from the beginning to carry out both scientific research and supply South African research stations in the Antarctic.

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Alan Straton

Chief Cook, Bottle Washer and Broom Mechanic at MyPE
Passionate about Port Elizabeth and definitely NOT packing for Perth. Alan's ethos is epitomised in the words of Nelson Mandela; "I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the idea of a democratic and free society. If need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." See more articles by Alan.