The Department of Transport of South Africa has released the first draft of the South African Shipping Company Bill 2022 slated to establish the country’s first national carrier.
According to the bill, all ships would be flagged in South Africa and will operate alongside logistics services and infrastructure.
SASCO will also engage in tanker services, bunkering services, container services, bulk cargo services, and coastal shipping services – on top of traditional carriage of export and imports.
Funds to finance SASCO would come from the Industrial Development Fund and would also be voted by Parliament directly.
The Department of Transport said consultations with stakeholders will commence this month from across the country.