Odfjell Tankers has a history in South Africa dating back to the mid-nineties when a marketing and operations support office was established in Durban, the busiest port in South Africa. The city forms part of the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality, which includes neighboring towns and has a population of about 3.44 million.
OMSA is a joint venture (JV) between principals Odfjell Durban 55% and local partner Nduna Maritime 45%. It is a South African entity and certified under the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment code of good practice.
The team in South Africa is commercially and operationally serving the parcel tanker fleet of Odfjell Tankers, as well as local customers in the Africa continent south of Equator.
The office has seen considerable growth in recent years, and expects to handle about 110 port calls and 1,1 million tonnes of cargo in 2018 alone. Out of this volume, 600,000 tonnes are booked directly by OMSA towards South African charterers.
Shipping is by far the most important activity, but the team also assists JV partner Nduna Maritime with a green field terminal project in the Port of Durban. Among the customers are Sasol, PetroSA, FR Waring and Protea.
Chairman is Vusi Mazibuko, Director for Nduna Maritime. COO Harald Fotland and VP Middle East/India and Africa Hans Christian Rabben represent Odfjell in the board. There are ten employees in the office, including brokers, operators and support staff:
Gunnar Moen, General Manager
Jaya Chetty, Operation Manager
Khetha Ngubane, Commercial Assistant
Malcolm Chetty, Commercial Manager
Nomfundo Ayanda Ngema, Intern
Phakama Magubane, Intern
Samad Naidoo, Port Operator
Samantha Maistry, Chief Accountant
Sayed Akimu Phiri, Commercial Assistant
Sibongile (Pinky) Chili, Office Assistant
Did you miss the story on how Odfjell in Durban supports the Black Economic Empowerment Initiative? Find it here.
