29/09/2026
Meet James Bunton, one of our very special team members. ⚓❄️
James started out as a Fitter & Turner apprentice, with a year of National Service in the Army along the way. Once qualified, he was picked for a once-in-a-lifetime assignment: building South Africa's new weather station in Antarctica.
He sailed on the S.A. Agulhas's maiden voyage, then helped sled all the equipment 20 km inland onto a 1,000 m thick ice shelf. The base was built in record time. The sled back to the ship, at -36°C, is something he'll never forget.
Then he joined the Merchant Navy with Safmarine as a Junior Engineer. That took him to Europe on the MV Waterberg, to Japan on the MV Sishen (the world's largest bulk iron ore carrier at the time), and to the US East Coast on the MV Morgenster. Her cargo that trip? Ten baby elephants. 🐘
As a 3rd Engineer with Unicorn Shipping Lines, he sailed the Durban to Cape Town coastal route on the MV Gamtoos and MV Gouritz. On the Gouritz, he became the first person to get married aboard one of the company's vessels.
His message to all of us: "When opportunity knocks, take it. You will only ever gain knowledge, perspective, and unforgettable experiences."
Thank you for sharing your story, James.
