In a significant move for the South African maritime landscape, OSC Marine, a prominent offshore supply vessel operator based in South Africa, has successfully acquired the marine service business and assets of Servest Marine, the offshore division of the larger Servest Group. While the exact sum of the transaction remains undisclosed, industry insiders regard this acquisition as a pivotal step towards consolidating OSC Marine's position in the local offshore market.

Mike Jessop, the co-founder and chief executive of OSC Marine, revealed that discussions for this acquisition began over 18 months ago, fueled by a robust history of collaboration between the two companies on various projects. "Over the past five to six years, we have experienced substantial growth and have been actively seeking opportunities to broaden our fleet. This aligns perfectly with our ambitions in the local nearshore and subsea markets," Jessop stated in an interview with Maritime Review Africa.

As part of this acquisition, OSC Marine will not only secure nine additional vessels but will also welcome Servest Marine's dedicated teams based in Cape Town and Durban, thereby significantly boosting its workforce. With this enlargement, OSC Marine's fleet will grow from four to a total of thirteen offshore supply vessels, poised to enhance their operational capabilities.

Andrew Hendrikse, the managing director of Servest Marine, expressed optimism regarding the merger, highlighting the strong synergies and aligned visions between the two companies. "Being actively engaged in the local market and maintaining our status as a responsible player in the South African maritime community has always been a cornerstone of our operations," Hendrikse affirmed.

Moreover, OSC Marine operates across multiple African and South American countries, specializing in offshore and subsea support. The addition of the newly acquired vessels, which have already demonstrated their capabilities in waters like Ghana and Angola, is expected to significantly bolster OSC Marine’s ambitions to expand its international footprint.

This acquisition not only represents a strategic enhancement of OSC Marine's assets but also emphasizes the growing dynamism within the South African maritime sector. With this new chapter, both companies are set to forge ahead in an industry ripe with opportunities and challenges.

Stay tuned for the latest developments as OSC Marine navigates through this exciting expansion!