Our History

The Danie Hugo was commissioned in 1958 by the South African Railways and Harbours Administration. This oil-fired, steam-powered tug boat was completed in 1959 by Ferguson Brothers Ltd. in the Port of Glasgow, Scotland.

As one of the last steam-powered tugs built for the SAR&H, the Danie Hugo was notably larger than its predecessors. Measuring 54 meters in length, with a beam of 11 meters and a gross tonnage of 812 tonnes, it marked the end of an era in maritime engineering.

Equipped with twin screws and a 3300hp engine, the Danie Hugo boasted a range of approximately 2000 nautical miles. This made her the ideal choice for salvage operations and deep-sea towing, underscoring her strength and reliability.

Throughout its 25 years of service, the Danie Hugo operated primarily in Cape Town. The tug participated in numerous mooring, salvage, and towing operations, becoming a familiar and trusted presence in the port.

In her final days, the Danie Hugo briefly served in the port of Walvis Bay before being decommissioned in 1984. The ship was then broken up in 1985, bringing an end to its illustrious career.

In 1992, plans began to transform the wheelhouse of the scrapped Danie Hugo into a new restaurant on the Swakopmund shoreline. Danie Holloway, who purchased the wheelhouse, embarked on a journey to create a unique and iconic dining experience.

Choosing a perfect beachfront location, the vision for a restaurant on the edge of the wild and mystical Atlantic Ocean began to take shape. This ambitious project aimed to preserve the maritime heritage while offering a contemporary dining atmosphere.

Transporting the wheelhouse from storage in Walvis Bay to Swakopmund was a monumental task. To the delight of local spectators, the move was executed smoothly, and the wheelhouse arrived safely at its spectacular new location.

Placing the wheelhouse in its final position required two of the largest cranes on the coast. This delicate operation was handled with precision, ensuring the wheelhouse was set perfectly to form the centerpiece of the new restaurant.

Construction of the one-of-a-kind restaurant commenced in 1993. The design was crafted to complement the aesthetics of the original wheelhouse, with the building's lines flowing seamlessly with the original structure of the tug boat.

In December 1993, the Tug Restaurant officially opened its doors. From its inception, dining at The Tug Restaurant has been a unique experience, blending maritime history with a modern culinary adventure. It quickly became a beloved spot for both locals and visitors, offering a special occasion dining experience with breathtaking ocean views.