Servest Launches another Three Fast Vessels - The Ocean Phutuma, the Ocean Spray and the Ocean Surge

Johannesburg, South Africa - Servest, the leading multi-service provider within the South African and UK Facilities Management sector, is proud to be one of a few companies locally that is able to deliver dedicated and reliable marine transport solutions to the market, through its Marine Division.

In fact, this year alone, the Servest Marine Division has provided transport services to over 930 ships around Southern Africa's shoreline. The Servest Marine Division specialises in providing Off Port Limits and offshore Commercial Launch Services, backed by a dedicated Marine Crew Transportation operation. These services also include Executive Airport Transfers and Seaman Meet and Assist services at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg.

The division runs all operations from its head office in Cape Town with branches in Durban, Richards Bay, Johannesburg and in Mozambique in Maputo and Beira. "Supported by a strong national and international infrastructure, our footprint into Africa is expanding and we now have three vessels in Mozambique and more African expansion on the way in 2014." says Kevin Derrick, CEO, South Africa and Africa, Servest.

"Coupled with our ongoing growth, I am pleased to say that this year Servest launched another three of our fast vessels - the Ocean Phutuma for Durban and the Ocean Spray and Ocean Surge for Cape Town. They are all fully certified by the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) and are licensed to carry 20 passengers and four crew members.

The Ocean Surge is the sixth fast vessel to be built for the Servest Group by Leecat Boat Builders to provide a more cost-effective offshore launch service to our ports – which is a real value-add to our client base who has embraced this faster and cheaper service option."

As specialists in providing dedicated and reliable transport solutions to the marine industry, Servest has a fleet of dedicated and reliable offshore supply vessels, which operate on a 24/7 basis and provide the following services:

Offshore Launch Supply for logistic supplies to vessels calling Off Port Limits and offshore rigs and mining vessels – The heart of the services of this division - the ability to support Tanker and Bulk carrying vessels needing offshore services around Cape Town, Durban and Richards Bay, with Servest's dedicated launch fleet. This includes transporting relief crews, supplies, air freight, ships spares and provisions to ships calling outside port limits or at port's anchorage.

Dedicated Marine Crew Transportation - Operations and Driver teams are experienced in ensuring that foreign ships' crew are safely and reliably transported between their vessels, hotels and airports. The division is also able to assist with all transit problems such as immigration, customs, visa clearances and crew whom have suffered from lost luggage. As the Department of Immigration places heavy penalties on mariners who go missing, the benefit of a trained driver becomes essential with foreign mariners who do not speak the local languages, nor know their way around the country's cities.

Thus Servest's door-to-door transport service is vital to the efficient handling of vessels visiting and passing the ports of Cape Town, Durban and Richards Bay. Servest Marine is also able to customise sightseeing tours to various tourist attractions, should this be required.

Towing and Salvage for vessels in distress - Although an infrequent service, Servest has gained experience in supporting ships under these difficult circumstances and is equipped to offer towing and recovery services to small vessels who need to get back to a safe port. Additionally, when a casualty is beached in shallow water, Servest launches are capable of getting alongside to support salvage efforts.

Contract services on offshore construction and pipelines - Servest vessels can be hired to support marine construction and operations as required.

Seaman 'meet and assist' - This inland branch of the Servest Marine Division specialises in meeting and assisting foreign mariners who are arriving from abroad and transiting through Johannesburg to ensure they make their connecting domestic flights and arrive at their required vessels. Servest offices are well located at OR Tambo International Airport's terminal and the team are able to assist mariners with any transit problems encountered such as immigration, customs, visa clearances and lost luggage enquiries.

About Servest
The Servest Group is a leading provider of innovative outsourcing services throughout South Africa and the United Kingdom. Leveraging an integrated business model, the Servest Group provides industry specific services that include cleaning, hygiene, office services, landscaping, marine, parking, security and turf. The Servest Group has 7,000 clients, 32,000 employees and a 2.5 billion turnover. For more information visit: http://www.servest.com/sa/.