The excitement and "buzz" of the new ship is building this side with us referring to it's possible capabilities all the time and, no disrespect to the old lady, but we would like to be here on the new ship now trying out all the features.
Never the less on Monday a significant event will take place with the laying of the keel for the new vessel. It is quite the accomplishment for South Africa as a whole as we take this program through the 3rd generation.
The new vessel will highlight the program and bring South Africa on par and even closer to the top of the log with regards to our infrastructure and sophistication of deep ocean science and Antarctic and sub Antarctic support.
The general public awareness and interest of shipping and Antarctica has exponentially grown and with continued growth and development we can become a very successful and competitive maritime nation.
So for this big event with the vessel's keel being laid it signifies a change of an era, a development for the future and a new tool to assist us to understand the world we live in.
Our message for the keel laying:
"May your steel be laid strong, as you are born. We await your arrival in great excitement and anticipation, but you will serve us long and we will be patient for the big day. We wish luck to all the minds and hands that will apply them to your construction since you have big shoes to fill as your fore runners served us well. We hope that you will inspire our youngsters to continue in their quest for development and to keep their dreams and aspirations alive. We look forward to fly the South African colours on your halyards as we welcome you home. From the Master and Crew of the SA Agulhas"
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