Submarine museum gets crucial funding

The Naval Heritage Trust (NHT) has received a vital boost for the relocation of the submarine SAS Assegaai.

Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis, identified the NHT as a recipient for support from the Mayoral Fund and contributed R750 000 to the project.

He expressed pride in supporting the sustainability of the Assegaai as a unique educational and tourist attraction for schools and visitors.

“This is the only preserved submarine of its kind in Africa, containing all sorts of fascinating technology for young and old to immerse themselves in,” he said.

“We look forward to the relocation of this floating museum to land, along with the expanded opportunities for learning and tourism.”

According to retired Rear Admiral Arne Söderlund, a trustee of the NHT, the primary goal is to relocate the SAS Assegaai to a new site at the western end of the Cole Point parking area, provided by the Navy.

The agreement with the Navy stipulates that the submarine will be placed ashore, outside the security area, to function as a museum.

“Although the Navy retains ownership, the NHT is responsible for all costs and the operation of the museum.

“The site and facilities, located next to the NSRI station, have been prepared using funds raised during previous museum operations,” said Rear Admiral Söderlund.

He said the NHT had already accumulated some funds while operating the submarine as a museum and used these to prepare the concrete foundations for the plinth.

Damen Shipyards Cape Town also contributed by manufacturing and fitting a lifting structure and plinths, which will serve as entry and exit platforms.

According to Rear Admiral Söderlund, moving the submarine comes at a substantial cost.

“We needed just under R2 million to cover the physical move of the 700-ton boat to the site. Three companies gave quotes about two years ago when we started fundraising in September 2022. We reached R1 million in April but could not commit to the move until we had the funds in hand,” he said.

The quotes to move the submarine were in excess of R1.8 million, he said, contingent on the availability of hydraulic lifting platforms in Cape Town, with Vanguard Heavylift showing particular interest and willingness to assist.

“We contracted Vanguard Heavylift, who carried out a final site inspection. The lifting platforms for the move are being brought in from Johannesburg,” said Rear Admiral Söderlund.

“With the mayoral grant and a few more donations, we are now ready. Once the boat is on site and security measures are in place, we will complete the cutting of access points in and out of the hull, as well as install stairs.”

The next steps include connecting power supplies for lighting and ventilation, and refurbishing shore, visitor, and display facilities.

Rear Admiral Söderlund is hopeful that the submarine museum will be unveiled in December.

“We are aiming to introduce the museum to the public in the first week of October, although it will not yet be open to visitors. We expect to conduct a few test runs before hopefully opening by December,” he said.