On a recent trip to the Mother City (that’s Cape Town for us in South Africa), we decided to take the scenic route as it were, and instead of rushing home, we stopped over for a night in Mossel Bay. What a wake-up call that was! Our hotel, the Diaz, can best be described as mammoth and our immediate reaction was one of surprise and awe. The reception area is immense in size and grandeur, the double (or triple…) volume space conjures up scenes of Texas, U.S.A where surely the saying, BIG IS BETTER, must have originated. Our rooms were on two levels, with the bathroom “upstairs” and the bedroom almost overhanging the deceptively quiet waters of Mossel Bay on the “downstairs” level. Once the hum of traffic quietened down, the roar of the waves gently washing on the shore was audacious in its magnitude, belying the still waters below. Every aspect of our experience shouted Dubai and Texas and it was this that gave us a glimpse of what it means to work in the Marine, Oil and Gas space. It’s big and bold by nature, the people, the places and the business of oil and gas itself.

This grand experience served as a powerful reminder of the scale and complexity of the marine, oil, and gas industry – a space we’ve been privileged to work in for many years. We understand that their needs are unique and that the high-stakes nature of their business calls for fast and firm action from us.

The recent closure of the Suez Canal, a vital route for global trade with about 12% of the world’s trade passing through it, has placed immense pressure on shipping routes. When a container ship got stuck in the canal in March, blocking traffic for six days, it caused major disruptions to global shipping. Ships were rerouted around Africa, leading to increased traffic to our shores, higher shipping costs, and a surge in demand for oil tankers as companies sought alternative ways to transport their products.

At Rennies BCD Travel, we have an experienced team of experts dedicated to ensuring that travellers in this sector, who are considered “mission critical,” reach their typically remote destinations quickly and safely. We are geared to help our clients meet the operational demands of the industry and get crews to rigs and vessels across the globe at a moment’s notice.

Over the years, we have demonstrated our commitment to serving the unique needs of the marine, oil, and gas industry. For example, during the Suez Canal closure, we were able to quickly adapt and find alternative routes for our clients, minimising disruptions to their operations. It’s this kind of expertise and dedication that sets us apart and makes us the go-to partner for companies in this sector.

Our bespoke basket of services include:

• Specialised experts: Getting to one of the world’s most remote gold mines, or crew off a rig is no ordinary business trip – but we’ve been servicing the unique requirements of the Marine, Oil and Gas industry for 70 years and know just how to help.
• 24/7 support: Our dedicated team is available around the clock to assist with any travel-related needs, ensuring that your crew and staff can reach their destinations safely and on time, no matter the hour.
• Husbandry Services: To ensure the provision of a “one-stop-shop” travel solution we offer Husbandry services including: ‘Meet and greet’, Shore pass arrangements, Medical attendance and health certificates, Crew medicals, Crew welfare, Spares clearance and delivery, Inward and outbound clearance and Liaison with local authorities.
• Marine Travel fares: Offers savings of up to 40%. These marine fares are utilised when travellers need to travel to/ from a vessel.
• Charter flights and helicopter transfers: When your operations require travel to remote locations, we can arrange charter flights and helicopter transfers to get your crew and staff where they need to be efficiently and safely.
• Crew rotation management: We assist logistics clients with multiple and often complex crew movements are used to frequent last minute changes and the crew change pattern. We work with each client to ensure we hold their regular crew changes when busy times are forecast.
• Emergency evacuation and repatriation: Our team is equipped to assist during crisis situations such as oil spills, fires or evacuation and repatriation services, ensuring the safety and well-being of your crew and staff.
• Real-time travel alerts: We keep you informed of any travel disruptions, such as weather events or security concerns, that may impact your operations, allowing you to make informed decisions and adjust your plans as needed.

At Rennies BCD Travel, we understand that the success of your Marine, Oil and Gas operations depends on the seamless and efficient movement of your crew and staff. With our specialised services and deep industry expertise, we are here to support you every step of the way, so you can focus on what you do best – powering the world.