On a perfect late September afternoon in the Port of Durban, Rev Boet van Schalkwyk from the Durban branch of the Sailors Society SA performed the Blessing of the bunker tanker, the FUMANA, part of the Linsen Nambi fleet.
South Africa’s first fully black ship owners, Linsen Nambi Bunker Services delivers marine fuel on behalf of the Oil Majors to their customers in South African ports. The company also manages the shipping of Liquid and Dry Bulk cargoes which goes through the Chartering Division.
Linsen Nambi was created in 2012. The owners, Durand Naidoo, Managing Director and Thuso Mhlambi, Financial Manager having been childhood friends and from a young had a plan to open a company which would improve and de-racialise the lives of ordinary South Africans. This came to fruition in 2012. The company they started in 2012 acquired Grindrod’s Unicorn Bunker Services.
The deal took a concerted effort from the private sector [Grindrod], government [IDC], and oil majors [BP, Engen and Chevron]. Together with their female empowerment partner Women in Oil and Energy, they have become a role model for the government’ initiative to unlock transformation in the maritime and liquid fuels industries.
Since the inception of Linsen Nambi six years ago the company has bought three bunker vessels that operate in the ports of Durban and Cape Town.
LInsen Nambi employs 110 people. They hope to increase the number and their goal is to become the leading African shipping company with a global presence.
“Lord God Almighty, let Your blessing be upon this ships and upon all who serve and sail in her. May good success and Your protection always be with them. In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Now—Go forth into the world in peace; be of good courage; hold fast to that which is good; render no man evil for evil. Support the weak, help the afflicted, honour all men; love and serve the Lord, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit. “
