A CORNERSTONE OF SHIPBUILDING

Sandock Austral Shipyards stands as one of KwaZulu Natal’s most enduring and strategically important industrial enterprises. With roots tracing back to the 1960s, the company has grown alongside South Africa’s maritime ambitions, establishing it self as a cornerstone of shipbuilding and marine engineering excellence on the African continent. Headquartered in Durban, the shipyard’s history is deeply intertwined with national capability building, industrial development and the evolution of the country’s Blue Economy.

The early decades of Sandock Austral Shipyards were defined by its contribution to South Africa’s naval shipbuilding programme. The yard was responsible for the construction of six Strike Craft vessels, two Minehunters and the iconic SAS Drakensberg, the largest vessel ever built on the African continent. These projects established the company’s reputation for technical excellence, precision engineering and the ability to deliver complex vessels to exacting international standards.

Over time, the business has transformed into a modern multisector shipbuilding and marine engineering group, capable of delivering vessels and industrial solutions across commercial, defence, offshore and port environments. This evolution is reflected in the successful construction of 21 state of the art tugboats designed to enhance port efficiency and maritime safety.

Today, Sandock Austral Shipyards combines its proud legacy with advanced digital systems, sophisticated project management platforms and strong international partnerships. This integrated approach allows the company to deliver globally competitive marine solutions while retaining a distinctly African industrial identity. Its operations span shipbuilding, 176 ship repair and maintenance, as well as heavy indus trial and offshore manufacturing.

Ship Building and Maintenance

In shipbuilding, the yard delivers a wide range of vessels including Offshore Patrol Vessels, Inshore Patrol Vessels, hydrographic survey vessels, tugboats, workboats, dredgers, ferries, barges, offshore oil and gas vessels, crew boats, platform supply vessels and specialised patrol and security craft. Each project is approached as a full turnkey engineering solution, from concept through to commissioning.

The ship repair and maintenance division provides comprehensive lifecycle support for vessels operating in demanding environments. Services include hull and structural repairs, mechanical and electrical works, engine overhauls, propulsion systems, steel fabrication, pipework, tank cleaning, blasting, vessel upgrades and complex modifications. This capability positions the shipyard as a trusted partner for both local and international operators.

Beyond shipbuilding, Sandock Austral Shipyards is a respected industrial and offshore manufacturer. Its portfolio includes heavy engineering solutions, concentration plants, ship loaders, marine and offshore structures, as well as coded pipe fabrication certified to major international classification societies.

Leadership

Leadership has played a defining role in the company’s sustained growth. Chief Executive Officer Prasheen Maharaj is widely regarded as one of South Africa’s most influential maritime business leaders. A seasoned deal maker, he has secured multiple multibillion Rand projects and led the expansion of the organisation from a single Durban based shipyard into a global enterprise with operations in India and Europe. His background in corporate and investment finance has underpinned successful merger, acquisition and capital raising initiatives. A former President of the Durban Chamber of Commerce and President of the South African Maritime Industry Development Network Task Force, his accolades include being named South Africa’s Blue Economy Champion in 2022 and induction into the South African Shipping Hall of Fame in 2024.

He is supported by a strong professional management team whose expertise strengthens delivery across the organisation.

The Future

Looking to the future, Sandock Austral Shipyards is positioning itself at the forefront of digital shipbuilding innovation. In 2025, the company announced a strategic technology partnership with Vera Navis, supported through collaboration with eThekwini Municipality and the eThekwini Maritime Cluster. This initiative will establish Africa’s first fully functional Marine Detail Design Office in Durban, delivering world class digital ship design capability while creating meaningful opportunities for technically skilled South African youth.

The company operates from an extensive and fully equipped facility that includes eleven hectares of operational space, substantial water frontage, large undercover fabrication workshops, build halls capable of accommodating vessels up to 150 metres, advanced lifting infrastructure and integrated digital project management systems.

At its core, Sandock Austral Shipyards remains com mitted to investing in people. Through artisan deve lopment programmes, apprenticeships, graduate training and inclusive ownership structures, the company continues to build the next generation of African marine engineers and skilled artisans. With employees holding a meaningful equity stake in the business, Sandock Austral Shipyards exemplifies sustainable growth, shared value and industrial leadership for KwaZulu Natal and beyond.