SAS Outeniqua to be withdrawn

May 13, 2004
Author: P&S

It can now be confirmed that the reports in this column in Ports & Ships (8 & 12 May) concerning the withdrawal of the South African Navy supply ship SAS Outeniqua are correct. It is reliably learned that the 1991-built vessel will be withdrawn from active service with immediate effect and will be disposed of by Armscor.

The reason for the ship’s withdrawal is understood to be one of cost cutting, as the navy focuses limited resources on introducing the new corvettes from Germany. This will leave SAS Drakensberg as the sole means of fleet replenishment and naval support.

An official SAN announcement is expected within days.