MACS drops anchor in Mother City

A ship’s anchor weighing 7.5 tons and measuring more than three metres in length has found a final resting place in Cape Town overlooking the bay where it was often used to berth the vessel it served. The ship’s owner, MACS Maritime Carrier Shipping, donated the anchor – taken from the decommissioned cargo ship the old Blue Master – to the city. The ship has meanwhile been replaced by the Blue Master II. According to MACS managing director, Felix Scheder-Bieschin, the decision to give the anchor to the City was a symbolic gesture showing their commitment and connection to South Africa. “All our ships make their ‘landfall’ in South Africa when they see Table Mountain, sometimes from 50 miles away. They then have to pass between here and Robben Island and sometimes this anchor was used when the port was too busy in order to receive our ship immediately. Although we are a German company we feel deeply connected with this country and try to give back where we can – for instance through the training of seafarers, some of whom come from the Cape Technikon which is around the corner from here. “And while the anchor may have many symbolic meanings, for us it symbolises our deep connection to this country,” said Scheder-Bieschin. “The vessel connected Cape Town to Europe and North America and we are pleased to find a final resting place for its anchor here in this city,” he said.” City of Cape Town Councillor Beverley Schäfer said the anchor – now a piece of public art adorning a public space in Mouille Point – was a creative and expressive reminder for the people of Cape Town of their connection with the ocean and the role of shipping in the city. CAPTION Public art … City of Cape Town Councillor Beverley Schäfer with MACS MD Felix Scheder-Bieschin who donated the 7.5- ton anchor from the decommissioned vessel, the Blue Master, to the city.