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FIRST VIEW: MEIN SCHIFF 4

This is not the first time we have featured the German cruise ship Mein Schiff 4 during one of her visits in South Africa, having previously done so with one of Jay Gates and ‘Dockrat’s joint features in October 2024.  That was during a Cape Town call. See that article here

Mein Schiff returned this past week with an arrival in Durban on 14 March, as shown here with the ship berthed at the Nelson Mandela Cruise Terminal in Durban.

Mein Schiff 4 is built to accommodate up to 2,506 passengers in double occupancy, with a maximum capacity reaching 2,790 when fully booked. Supporting this bustling floating community is a dedicated crew of approximately 1,000, ensuring that every need is met with the signature hospitality TUI Cruises is known for.

Owned by TUI Cruises GmbH, a Hamburg-based company, the ship operates under a joint venture between TUI AG (a leading German travel and tourism corporation) and Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., blending German precision with global cruising expertise. Registered under the Maltese flag, the ship proudly carries the legacy of its sister vessel, Mein Schiff 3, while offering its own unique charm.

Built by the Meyer Turku Shipyard in Finland and launched in 2015, Mein Schiff 4 is a vessel that balances elegance with functionality. Stretching 293.2 metres in length and measuring 35.8 in breadth, the ship boasts a gross tonnage of 99,526 tons.

The vessel has 15 decks, with 12 of these dedicated to passenger use, ensuring ample space for exploration and relaxation. With a draft of 8.25 metres, this ship is designed to glide smoothly through the oceans, delivering a stable and comfortable journey for all on board.

The ship houses 1,253 stateroom/cabins, with an impressive 80% featuring private balconies, allowing guests to soak in breathtaking ocean vistas or watch the South African coastline unfold before them.

Cabin types cater to a range of preferences, including inside cabins, oceanview cabins, and balcony cabins, alongside suites for those seeking extra luxury.

Among the highlights are the spacious Himmel und Meer (Sky and Sea) suites, two-level lofts with rooftop terraces, and the Diamant Suites, which boast expansive balconies complete with hammocks and sunbeds.

For families, the Family Balcony cabins offer generous space and large verandas, while solo travellers and spa enthusiasts can opt for specialized options like the SPA Balcony cabins, complete with exclusive wellness perks.

Every stateroom is equipped with modern amenities, including smart HDTVs, Nespresso coffee machines, minibars, and en-suite bathrooms stocked with bathrobes and premium products. Suites elevate the experience further with concierge service, complimentary minibars, and access to exclusive areas like the X-Lounge and X-Sundeck.

Mein Schiff 4 is a floating resort, offering a wealth of amenities to suit every taste. Dining is a highlight, with complimentary options like the Atlantik restaurants (offering Mediterranean, French, and classic cuisine), the buffet-style Anckelmannsplatz, and seafood haven GOSCH Sylt.

For a special treat, passengers can indulge in specialty dining at Surf & Turf (steakhouse), Hanami (Japanese cuisine), or Richards (fine dining), though these come at an additional cost. Most drinks across the ship’s 14 bars and lounges—including the elegant Diamant Bar with its panoramic sea views—are included in the cruise fare, aligning with TUI’s premium all-inclusive concept.

Beyond dining, the ship offers a 25-metre outdoor pool, a rarity in cruising, alongside a spa with Finnish saunas, massage rooms, and a fitness centre with personal trainers. Entertainment options abound, from the high-quality theatre showcasing acrobatics and musicals to the lively Abtanz Bar for late-night dancing.

The “Klanghuis,” a philharmonic orchestra venue, offers a unique auditory experience at sea, and the “Diamant,” a two-deck glass façade at the ship’s stern, provides a stunning visual centrepiece.

Families are well-catered for with a kids’ club, while sports enthusiasts can enjoy jogging tracks and outdoor courts. Shopping arcades, a casino, and even a tattoo parlor add a quirky twist to the onboard experience. Then there’s the “Blauer Balkon,” a glass platform suspended 37 metres above the sea, offering thrilling ocean views.

Africa Ports & Ships      Pictures are by Jumaine Kruger

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Industry Titans chart the future of shipping at TPM25

Africa Ports & Ships 

At this year’s Transpacific Maritime Conference (TPM25) in Long Beach, industry leaders gathered to tackle some of the most pressing challenges in global shipping—chief among them, reliability.

Two of the most talked-about sessions featured executives from Maersk, Hapag-Lloyd, and MSC, each presenting their distinct strategies for improving schedule predictability and efficiency in a rapidly evolving maritime landscape.

As an attendee, it was clear that while these companies are charting different courses, their end goals align: transforming container shipping into a more resilient, predictable, and sustainable industry.

The Gemini Cooperation: reinventing schedule reliability

During the session titled How Gemini Is Shaking Up the Schedule Reliability Game, APM Terminals’ Global Head of Hubs, Lars Mikael Jensen, joined Hapag-Lloyd CEO Rolf Habben Jansen and industry analyst Lars Jensen to discuss the ambitious Gemini Cooperation.

This new alliance between Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd aims to break free from the industry’s historical struggles with schedule reliability, which has hovered around the mid-50% range for years.

Jensen and Jansen made a compelling case for the hub-and-spoke model—a departure from the traditional direct-service approach.

By reducing the number of port calls per service and leveraging dedicated hub terminals and shuttle services, Gemini aims to push reliability above 90%.

The key to success, they emphasized, is the efficiency of hub terminals, where real-time operational control can keep cargo moving on schedule.

APM Terminals, a critical player in the Gemini strategy, has already invested $3 billion in infrastructure improvements to support this shift, with plans to expand hub terminal capacity by 40%.

The early results are promising; one example shared was the Maersk Antares arriving at Pier 400 in Los Angeles 54 minutes ahead of schedule—a small but significant victory for a network that hopes to redefine industry standards.

MSC’s Independent Strategy: A commitment to customers and digital innovation

While Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd are betting on cooperation, MSC is charting a different path—one of independence and direct port access.

CEO Soren Toft took centre stage in a keynote interview with CNBC’s Lori Ann LaRocco, where he reinforced MSC’s confidence in its standalone East-West network.

The company is leaning into its vast fleet—now at 900 vessels and a combined 6 million TEU capacity—to offer a streamlined service model tailored to customer needs.

MSC’s presence at TPM25 was impossible to miss, with 119 representatives engaging in discussions across a suite of 24 meeting spaces. Their approach centres on reliability, but with a distinct focus on customer-centric solutions.

Unlike the hub-and-spoke structure of Gemini, MSC remains committed to its direct-service model, emphasizing flexibility and personalized logistics.

Beyond operational efficiency, MSC also placed a strong emphasis on digital transformation. Elizabeth Shepard, MSC USA’s Digital Growth Manager, joined the TPM Tech panel to discuss the growing adoption of electronic Bill of Lading (eBL).

She highlighted how eBL is streamlining transactions with enhanced security, faster processing times, and reduced environmental impact.

Digitalization, in MSC’s view, is as critical to reliability as infrastructure investment is to the Gemini network.

Competing Strategies, Shared Goals

While Maersk, Hapag-Lloyd, and MSC may be taking different routes to the same destination, the message from TPM25 was clear: the industry is moving toward greater predictability and efficiency.

The Gemini Cooperation banks on network rationalization and strategic hubs, while MSC is doubling down on its independence, fleet size, and customer-centric innovation.

Both strategies are in their early stages, but one thing is certain—change is underway, and shippers are poised to benefit from more reliable, transparent, and resilient supply chains.

As TPM25 wrapped up, the question remained: which model will set the new standard? Only time will tell, but for now, industry stakeholders will be watching closely as these strategies unfold on the high seas.

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WHARF TALK: passenger ro-ro ferry – VOLCAN DE TAUCE

Picture by ‘Dockrat’ 
Story by Jay Gates

The two London Bus scenario has become a bit of a thing recently. Other than the maiden positioning voyage of brand-new passenger ferries, between the builders yards in China, and heading to new owners in Northern Europe, it is a very rare thing to see such a vessel, and almost never older versions heading for new lives. Once more, nothing appears for an eternity, and then two turn up within weeks of each other.

And yet here we are, with the recent arrival of an older Japanese passenger car ferry heading to Greece for a new commercial life, and now one heading in the other direction, also for a new lease of life, albeit one with a twist. Irrespective of it being new or old, the casual maritime observer always gets excited with the arrival of any passenger car ferry, for no other reason than they simply do not ply any regular ferry route that takes in a South African port.

On 16th March, as the early morning fog started to burn off at 09:00, the passenger ro-ro ferry ‘Volcan de Tauce’ (IMO 9081588) arrived off Cape Town, from Las Palmas in the Canary Islands. She entered Cape Town harbour, proceeding into the Duncan Dock and going alongside at the Landing Wall, which gave some indication that her arrival was for more than just a simple bunker uplift call.

Built in 1995 by Astillero Hijos de J. Barreras SA, at Vigo in Spain, ‘Volcan de Tauce’ is 120 metres in length and has a gross registered tonnage of 9,807 tons. She is powered by two Deutz TBD 645L6 six cylinder, four stroke, main engines producing 8,872 bhp (6,616 kW) driving two controllable pitch propellers for a service speed of 18 knots.
Auxiliary machinery includes two Caterpillar 3308 generators providing 1,000 kW each, and a single emergency generator providing 386 kW.

She has a single Alfa Laval Aalborg CHR exhaust gas boiler, and a single Alfa Laval Aalborg CHM oil fired boiler. She has an Aquamar AQ-10/12 water maker, with fresh water capacity of 200 m3. For added manoeuvrability ‘Volcan de Tauce’ has two bow transverse thrusters.

As a roll-on/roll-off vessel ‘Volcan de Tauce’ has a vehicle deck capacity of 12,015 m3, which provides 1,023 lane metres for up to 320 motor vehicles, or 62 heavy goods vehicles. With a passenger capacity of a maximum of 347 passengers, and designed solely for short sea ferry routes, she provides basic facilities of a self-service restaurant, café, bar, lounge, duty free shop, and an airline style passenger seating lounge.

Built as one of two sisterships, with an operating crew of just 29 persons, ‘Volcan de Tauce’ was previously owned by the Armas Trasmediterránea Group, of Las Palmas in the Canary Islands, and both operated and managed by Armas Naviera SA, also of Las Palmas. She was the oldest vessel in the Armas Naviera SA fleet, and when she first entered service she was one of the first Armas vessels offering passengers services on their inter Canary Islands routes.

Throughout her almost 30 year career plying Spanish waters, Volcan de Tauce’ operated on the short sea routes on the inter-island routes within the Canary Islands, as well as the short sea Mediterranean routes from Spain to Morocco, and to the Spanish enclaves in North Africa. In her career she sailed between Tenerife-La Palma, Tenerife-Gran Canaria, Gran Canaria-Lanzarote, Algeciras-Tangier, Motril-Tangier, and Motril-Melilla.

She was retired from service in Las Palmas on 10th January 2025, when she entered into a period of maintenance. In February it was announced that ‘Volcan de Tauce’ had been sold on to Al Wathba Investment LLC, of Dubai in the UAE and, somewhat bizarrely, would be operated by Emirates International Air Cargo, of Abu Dhabi in the UAE, with rumours that she will be converted into a Hospital Ship. Despite her sale to new owners, she still displayed the name of Armas on her hull, and still proudly displayed the Armas houseflag on her funnel.

It is not known if the conversion to a Hospital Ship is to be for future use as a naval military purpose, or for a civilian purpose, similar to that of Mercy Ships. Her conversion will include the fitting of more auxiliary machinery to enable domestic power for all onboard hospital services, and will include her receiving two additional Caterpillar 3512B generators, providing 1,056 kW each, plus an upgrade to her fresh water making capabilities.

Her time alongside at the Landing Wall took almost two and a half days, which indicated that she needed some local engineering and maintenance support, in addition to her logistical requirements of bunkers, stores and fresh provisions. At midday on 18th March, ‘Volcan de Tauce’ sailed from Cape Town, but only as far as the Table Bay anchorage, where she went to anchor for a short period of time.

Whatever the need for the short period of anchoring, it had been resolved after seven hours, and at 1900 in the evening of 18th March, she sailed from Table Bay, with her AIS suggesting that her next logistical stop was to be Port Louis in Mauritius. With her ultimate destination having been promulgated as being Dubai, it would seem that in order to avoid any pirate infested waters off the northern part of the East African coast, that ‘Volcan de Tauce’ would be taking the longer route around the outside of Madagascar, enroute to the Persian Gulf.

Back in March 2009, ‘Volcan de Tauce’ made the news when she was on one of her regular voyages on the Gran Canaria-Lanzarote route between Las Palmas and Arrecife. She took an unexpected list of over 40 degrees, which could not be corrected, and she limped into Arrecife, where the 80 passengers aboard were allowed to disembark, but their vehicles had to remain in the vehicle deck, as there was no way to get them off safely via the stern ramps.

In November 2023 the management of Armas Naviera SA was disciplined by the Spanish Labour Directorate, as a result of investigations that showed the company had breached labour agreements that covered crew working practices, including working hours and overtime. The company had failed to pay overtime to members of the crew, had made them work hours in excess of their working hours by reducing their rest periods, and not fulfilling the weekly time off allowance.

As she neared the end of her career with Armas Naviera SA, it became obvious that maintenance, and operational, budgets for her had been cut, as passengers began lodging complaints about the overall condition, and state, of the vessel, and the reduced onboard service provision, especially with reduced catering arrangements.

With the history of Armas Naviera SA being firmly linked to the Canary Islands, and for the Canary Islands themselves to be known worldwide as being both volcanic, and actively so, the vessels of the fleet have always traditionally been named after local volcanic peaks found throughout the Canary Islands. For the nomenclature aficionado, ‘Volcan’ is Spanish for Volcano, and Tauce lies on the slopes of the dormant volcano, Mount Teide on Tenerife.

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Royal Navy seizes £5.4m of class A drugs in Middle East bust

Africa Ports & Ships

The Royal Navy has delivered a major blow to the global drug trade after the frigate HMS Lancaster intercepted and seized £5.4 million worth of heroin and methamphetamine in the northern Arabian Sea.

In its first successful drug bust of 2025, the Portsmouth-based frigate launched a coordinated operation involving drones and helicopters to track and stop smugglers in the dead of night.

The breakthrough came when operators of one of the Navy’s new Peregrine remote-controlled mini-helicopters spotted suspicious activity aboard two vessels at sea.

With the Peregrine providing crucial surveillance, HMS Lancaster deployed its Wildcat helicopter for a closer look.

Crew members observed packages being transferred from a small fast boat to a dhow, a type of fishing and cargo vessel commonly used in the region—clear signs of a smuggling operation.

As the illegal exchange continued, HMS Lancaster moved in at full speed. The smugglers, rather than surrender, attempted to dispose of their cargo, throwing the illicit packages overboard.

However, the Royal Navy crew, aided by aerial monitoring, quickly retrieved the dumped drugs and transported them back to the warship for testing.

The seizure is part of the Royal Navy’s ongoing efforts to disrupt international criminal networks, prevent illegal substances from reaching global markets, and reinforce maritime security in the region.

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Mozambique and Zimbabwe strengthen railway cooperation with new agreement

Africa Ports & Ships 

In a landmark development for regional rail transport, Caminhos de Ferro de Moçambique (CFM) and the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) have formalized two key Operational Understanding Agreements.

Signed on 14 March, 2025, in Maputo, the agreement enables CFM to operate on Zimbabwean railway lines, fostering stronger bilateral cooperation and enhancing the efficiency of cargo transportation between the two nations.

The agreements cover two major railway corridors:

• Southern Corridor: Chicualacuala – Rutenga (148 km)
• Central Corridor: Machipanda – Nyazura (84 km)

This partnership is set to streamline freight movement between Mozambique and Zimbabwe, offering more reliable and cost-effective railway services to businesses and stakeholders reliant on cargo transport.

The signing ceremony was attended by top officials from both entities. Representing CFM were Chairman of the Board of Directors, Eng. Agostinho Langa Júnior, and Executive Director, Eng. Cândido Jone. NRZ was represented by its Board Chairman, Advocate Michael Madiro, and General Manager, Ms. Ainah Dube-Kaguru.

Under the agreement, CFM assumes responsibility for providing well-maintained locomotives, ensuring smooth and uninterrupted operations on NRZ lines. Additionally, CFM will supply fuel and essential consumables to support at least two daily trips and provide the necessary train crew for operations within Zimbabwe.

In return, NRZ commits to maintaining sufficient traffic volumes and ensuring that railway tracks remain in optimal condition for the safe passage of CFM locomotives.

This strategic collaboration is expected to strengthen regional integration, boost trade efficiency, and contribute to the economic development of both nations.

Expanding regional rail partnerships

CFM has been actively enhancing regional rail connectivity through strategic partnerships. In addition to its recent agreement with NRZ, CFM entered into a landmark collaboration with Transnet Freight Rail (TFR) of South Africa in April 2023.

This agreement facilitates seamless cross-border train operations between South Africa’s Mpumalanga province and the Port of Maputo in Mozambique.

The initiative allows trains to operate without the need for locomotive changes at the border, significantly reducing transit times and improving efficiency. The initial phase of this collaboration led to a 23% increase in magnetite volumes transported for export.

Building on this success, the agreement was expanded in September 2023 to include chrome and ferrochrome flows, with a commitment to operate three trains daily.

This expansion is expected to add approximately 230,000 tonnes to the rail freight volume, further underscoring the effectiveness of such cross-border collaborations.

Under this agreement, CFM freight trains operate as far as Belfast in Mpumalanga, South Africa. This initiative has significantly improved freight logistics in the region, reducing congestion on roads and increasing the competitiveness of rail transport.

Both the CFM-NRZ and CFM-TFR agreements exemplify a concerted effort to enhance regional integration, streamline cargo transport, and bolster economic development across Southern Africa.

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IMO moves forward with global maritime digitalization strategy

Africa Ports & Ships

First steps taken towards a cross-cutting strategy that will leverage new technology to advance international shipping.

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has embarked on a significant initiative to develop a comprehensive global strategy for maritime digitalization, aiming to enhance efficiency, safety, and sustainability in international shipping.

This effort took a major step forward during the 49th session of the Facilitation Committee (FAL), held in London from 10 to 14 2025.

A Roadmap for Digital Transformation

During the session, the Facilitation Committee outlined a structured work plan for the development of the IMO Strategy on Maritime Digitalization. The strategy is expected to be formally adopted by the IMO Assembly by the end of 2027.

It will serve as a cross-cutting framework, integrating various aspects of IMO’s work to create a fully interconnected, harmonized, and automated global maritime sector.

To drive the initiative forward, the Committee established a Correspondence Group tasked with defining the scope, objectives, and implementation framework of the strategy. Over the next year, the Group will identify existing and emerging technologies, standards, and methodologies that support digitalization in maritime operations.

This effort will ensure consistency across IMO’s different committees and workstreams.

The Facilitation Committee has invited the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) and the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) to encourage Member States and international organizations to participate in the Correspondence Group.

A report on the Group’s progress will be presented at the next session of the Facilitation Committee (FAL 50) in 2026, with a final proposal to be submitted to the Assembly in 2027.

Harnessing Technology for a Smarter Shipping Industry

IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez underscored the transformative potential of cutting-edge technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI) and autonomous navigation. However, he also highlighted associated challenges such as cybersecurity risks and the global digital divide.

“The IMO Maritime Digitalization Strategy is a game-changing effort to make smooth, seamless, smart shipping a reality. It will help integrate vessels and ports, improve logistics, and optimize routes, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

“We must work together to ensure the strategy serves all,” said Dominguez.

Progress in Maritime Digitalization Initiatives

The new digitalization strategy builds upon previous milestones, including the 2023 introduction of mandatory Maritime Single Window (MSW) regulations, which require ships and ports to use a unified digital platform to streamline information exchange and port call procedures.

At the recent session, the Facilitation Committee also advanced several key digital initiatives:

• Updated IMO Compendium on Facilitation and Electronic Business: A newly approved version includes additional datasets to improve standardization and interoperability across maritime IT systems.
• Enhanced Maritime Single Window (MSW) Guidelines: Amendments were made to introduce verification functions, reducing manual administrative tasks and eliminating redundant checks by various authorities.
• Cybersecurity for Maritime Single Window: A new initiative was introduced to develop cybersecurity measures that protect MSWs and digital maritime operations from cyber threats.
• Electronic Certificates Guidelines: The Facilitation, Legal, MEPC, and MSC Committees approved joint guidelines on electronic certificates, which will now move forward for final endorsement.

Collaboration for a Digital Future

The success of the IMO’s digitalization strategy will rely on collaboration with Member States and international organizations. Their input, particularly on safety and environmental protection considerations, will be crucial to shaping a secure and effective digital maritime landscape.

A detailed summary of the Facilitation Committee meeting will be released in due course, providing further insights into the next steps for this landmark digital transformation initiative.

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DP World and Maersk expand maritime services in Brazil with long-term agreement

Africa Ports & Ships

DP World and Maersk have signed an eight-year agreement to enhance maritime services at DP World’s terminal in the Port of Santos, Brazil. The partnership aims to increase container-handling capacity and boost vessel calls to support the country’s growing trade demands.

Under the deal, Maersk will introduce six new services with eight weekly calls in the first year, expanding to seven services and 10 weekly calls by 2026 following DP World’s planned capacity expansion. Currently handling 1.4 million TEUs annually, DP World is investing R$450 million to raise capacity to 1.7 million TEUs by 2026 and an additional R$1.6 billion to reach 2.1 million TEUs by 2027.

“This agreement reinforces DP World’s presence at the Port of Santos and accelerates new expansion opportunities in Brazil,” said Márcio Medina, Commercial Vice President at DP World in Brazil.

Paulo Ruy, Maersk’s Regional Head of Terminal & Port Procurement for Latin America, highlighted that the partnership secures long-term service capacity at the port, ensuring reliable and efficient operations.

In 2024, DP World set a record for container-handling volume at the Port of Santos, surpassing 1.25 million TEUs—a 14% increase from the previous year. The company recently invested $50 million in advanced port equipment as part of an $85 million expansion project.

Additionally, DP World has partnered with Rumo, Brazil’s leading railway operator, to develop a new terminal for grain and fertilizer shipments, adding 12.5 million tons of capacity annually.

As DP World continues modernizing infrastructure and expanding trade opportunities, this agreement strengthens Brazil’s position as a key logistics hub in Latin America.

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West Africa emerges as key trade route for global shipping

Africa Ports & Ships 

West Africa is rapidly becoming a crucial trade route for global shipping, with major carriers deploying increasingly larger vessels to the region.

According to a report by Port Technology International, maritime analytics firm Sea-Intelligence has highlighted significant vessel developments on Africa-bound services, underscoring the continent’s growing role as a maritime hub.

MSC, one of the world’s leading shipping lines, has announced the deployment of 23,000-TEU vessels on its Asia-West Africa (WAF) ‘Africa Express’ service. Previously, the largest vessel operating on this route had a capacity of 16,600 TEU, with an average vessel size of 14,465 TEU. The introduction of these ultra-large container ships represents a 50 per cent increase in nominal capacity on the service, a significant expansion.

The first of these new deployments, the 23,964-TEU MSC Diletta, was reassigned from the Asia-North Europe ‘Lion’ service, where it was replaced by a smaller 15,500-TEU vessel.

Commenting on this shift, Sea-Intelligence CEO Alan Murphy noted, “This is a remarkable development given that the reverse tendency has been observed in recent years, with smaller vessels on Asia-North Europe being replaced by larger vessels.”

Since June 2022, the average vessel size for deep-sea services to West Africa has grown by 50 per cent. In just over a year, 26 vessels of 15,000 TEU or more have been deployed on trades connecting to West Africa, with three of the four services being MSC standalone operations. This trend highlights MSC’s strategic focus on strengthening its network in the region.

“Africa’s population reached 1.5 billion in 2024 and is expected to rise to 2.5 billion by 2050, increasing its share of the global population to 28 per cent,” Murphy added. “West Africa alone accounts for 30 per cent of Africa’s population, making it a key area for future shipping expansion.”

As global trade patterns evolve, West Africa’s growing prominence in maritime logistics is set to play a pivotal role in the expansion strategies of major shipping lines.

The fact of a number of West African ports having undergone recent upgrades to enable these larger vessels to dock, has obviously also contributed in no small measure to this nonetheless surprising development.

Acknowledgements to PTI, Sea Intelligence and Shednet.

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Carrier fleet modernisation underway at MedPort Tangier

Africa Ports & Ships   

MedPort Tangier is set to undergo a significant upgrade as APM Terminals partners with Kalmar to modernise 32 straddle carriers at the transshipment facility.

The modernisation programme, scheduled to commence in the second quarter of 2025 and conclude by the end of the first quarter of 2026, aims to enhance equipment performance, safety, and reliability.

The agreement, recorded in Kalmar’s Q1 2025 order intake, falls under Kalmar Modernisation Services, a midlife refurbishment initiative designed to extend the service life of port equipment.

The upgrade aligns with APM Terminals’ commitment to maintaining operational efficiency and delivering world-class customer service at one of Africa’s key shipping hubs.

Located at the Tanger Med 2 port complex, APM Terminals MedPort Tangier opened in 2019 and plays a crucial role in global trade, serving major routes between Europe, Africa, the Americas, and the Far East.

The terminal complements APM Terminals Tangier at the nearby Tanger Med 1 complex.
Keld Pedersen, Managing Director of West Med Hub Terminals at APM Terminals, highlighted the importance of the collaboration, stating, “Our partnership with Kalmar at MedPort Tangier has strengthened over time, and the straddle carrier fleet has been instrumental in the terminal’s development.

“This modernisation programme reinforces our dedication to continuous improvement and service excellence.”

Kalmar Services President Thomas Malmborg also underscored the significance of the project, saying, “Reliability, safety, and productivity are central to Kalmar’s equipment, and this modernisation will ensure the fleet continues to support APM Terminals’ operations effectively.”

The refurbishment of the straddle carrier fleet is expected to further optimise MedPort Tangier’s operational efficiency, reinforcing its position as a critical gateway for global maritime trade.

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Pirate attack on Yemeni fishing vessel reported

By defenceWeb

A suspected piracy-related incident involving a Yemeni-flagged fishing vessel occurred on 16 March off the coast of Durdura, near Eyl, in northern Puntland, Somalia. The European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) Operation ATALANTA has classified the event as a hijacking and is currently investigating the situation.

According to initial reports, up to seven hijackers remain on board the dhow, which has a crew of eight Somali nationals. EUNAVFOR ATALANTA said it is closely monitoring the unfolding situation and coordinating efforts with the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) and the Yemeni Coast Guard to assess and respond appropriately.

This incident follows a similar piracy attack on the Yemeni-flagged dhow Saytuun-2, which was released on 24 February.

EUNAVFOR ATALANTA continues to assess the security risks in the region and shares its recommendations with shipping operators through official channels, including updates on the Maritime Security Centre Indian Ocean (MSCIO) website it said.

Operation ATALANTA strongly advises merchant vessels and other vulnerable ships to register with MSCIO’s Voluntary Registration Scheme (VRS). This initiative allows ATALANTA forces and their partners to enhance monitoring capabilities and provide an effective response to maritime security threats in the region.

Somali piracy continues to threaten seafarers off the Horn of Africa. The International Maritime Bureau (IMB) said in 2024, in the western Indian Ocean and Gulf of Aden waters, eight incidents were reported. Two saw fishing vessels hijacked and a bulk carrier crew was also subjected to hijacking.

Worldwide, the IMB recorded 116 incidents of piracy and armed robbery against ships in 2024– four less than the previous year and one more than in 2022.

Of concern is an increase in the number of crew either taken hostage or kidnapped. Last year saw 126 crew taken hostage, compared to 73 in 2023 and 41 in 2022. Twelve crew were reported kidnapped, compared to 14 in 2023 and two in 2022. A further 12 crew were threatened and one injured in 2024.

2024 saw 94 vessels boarded, 13 subjected to attack attempts, six hijacked and three shot at.

Written by defenceWeb and republished with permission. The original article can be found here

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WHARF TALK:  cruise ship – MSC MUSICA

Pictures by ‘Dockrat’ 
Story by Jay Gates

The ever changing, and ever expanding, fleet of Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) container vessels are a regular sight at all the major South African ports, but MSC have never stuck to just running a boxboat operation.

Since 1995 the passenger ship division, MSC Cruises, have conducted major, seasonal, cruise programmes mainly out of Durban to Mozambique, and Indian Ocean island destinations.

MSC Cruises started their regular programme of cruises out of Durban in 1995 with the ‘Monterey’, and over the decades have increased the size and luxury of their South African based passenger vessels with ‘Rhapsody’ in 1996, ‘Melody’ in 2001, sending in ‘MSC Sinfonia’ in 2009, to be followed by ‘MSC Opera’ in 2012, before the ‘MSC Musica’ arrived in 2020, MSC Splendida for the 2023/24 summer, followed by ‘MSC Orchestra’ in 2021, and a subsequent reverting back to ‘MSC Musica’.

On just a few occasions throughout the annual five month long cruising season, MSC cruise vessels do turn south on departing Durban, and head down the coast to visit other South African ports, sailing around the Cape and going as far north as Walvis Bay in Namibia. This cruising season was no different in that regard to the end of season cruising programme.

On 12th March, at a crack of dawn time of 04:00 in the morning, the passenger cruise vessel ‘MSC Musica’ (IMO 9320087) arrived off Cape Town, from Durban. As expected, she entered Cape Town harbour, proceeding into the Duncan Dock, and going alongside the Cape Town Passenger Cruise Terminal, at E berth, for her short daytime turnaround stay.

Built in 2006, by Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard at St. Nazaire in France, ‘MSC Musica’ is 294 metres in length and has a gross registered tonnage of 92,409 tons. She is a diesel-electric vessel with power provided by five Wärtsilä 16V39B generators, each producing 11,600 kW for both domestic and propulsion requirements. Power is transferred to two Converteam electric motors, each producing 17,500 kW, which drive two fixed pitch propellers for a service speed of 23 knots.

Her auxiliary machinery includes a single emergency generator providing 910 kW, five Alfa Laval Aalborg CHR exhaust gas boilers, and two Alfa Laval Aalborg CHO oil fired boilers. For added manoeuvrability ‘MSC Musica’ has three bow Brunvoll transverses thrusters, each providing 2,300 kW, and two stern Brunvoll transverse thrusters, each providing 2,000 kW. For passenger comfort at sea she is fitted with twin Rolls-Royce fin stabilisers.

She has a total of 16 decks, of which 13 decks are given over to passenger use, with 8 of these decks being set aside for passenger cabins. There are a total of 1,275 cabins, of which 80% of them are external cabins, with 65% of these external cabins being fitted with balconies. Able to carry a total of 3,223 passengers, but normally limited to 2,550 passengers based on a double occupancy basis, ‘MSC Musica’ has a crew of 987 persons to look after all needs of the vessel.

The extensive onboard amenities of ‘MSC Musica’ for her passengers includes eight bars, five restaurants, three lounges, two show lounges, theatre, casino, a mall of shops and boutiques, art gallery, meeting room, card room, library, cyber café, video games arcade, discotheque, spa, beauty salon, solarium, steam rooms, sauna, treatment rooms, therapy rooms, aerobics room, gymnasium, teens club, kids club, juniors club, seven Jacuzzi whirlpools, two swimming pools, a nine hole mini golf course, golf driving range, shuffleboard, and jogging track. 

The first built of a class of four passenger vessels, known as the ‘Musica’ class, and costing US$360 million (ZAR6.55 billion) to build, ‘MSC Musica’ was launched by her godmother, Sophia Loren, the famous Italian movie star of the 1960s. She is owned by the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) Group, of Geneva in Switzerland, is operated by MSC Crociere SpA (MSC Cruises), of Naples in Italy, and is managed by MSC Cruise Management UK Ltd., of London in the United Kingdom.

This year, as with the last, her normal positioning voyage from Italy to South Africa, in order to start the 2024-2025 cruising season was cancelled, as a result of the Houthi menace in the Red Sea. Instead of a passenger filled cruise from the Mediterranean, and down the East coast of Africa, she made a straight dash from Genoa to Durban, via the Cape sea route, with no passengers aboard, and no port calls en-route.

As with all years that MSC Cruises have been operating out of South African waters, ‘MSC Musica’ was primarily based out of Durban, on short cruises north to Mozambique. As the season winds down, they have then made a short excursion along the coast to Cape Town to conduct a short series of cruises out of the Mother City, which is what has brought ‘MSC Musica’ to Cape Town. She is here to initially conduct a handful of simple six day voyages of Cape Town- Walvis Bay-Cape Town.

After her day stop at Cape Town, ‘MSC Musica’ was ready to sail, unusually two hours earlier than the planned schedule, and at 16:00 in the afternoon of 12th March, she sailed from Cape Town, bound for Walvis Bay. Her return to Cape Town was scheduled for 07:00 in the morning of 16th March, which was an appointment she duly kept. She was then to sail that same evening, on yet another Cape Town- Walvis Bay- Cape Town cruise, now returning on 22nd March, at 07:00 in the morning.

On conclusion of her short series of cruises up to the premier port of Namibia, ‘MSC Musica’ is scheduled to carry out a quick, three day cruise to nowhere off the Western Cape coast, and she will then, on 30th March, conduct another fast positioning voyage north to Genoa in Italy, again with no passengers aboard, to be able to begin her 2025 European Summer cruise programme throughout the tourist hotspots of the Mediterranean Sea.

One of the highlight cruises of this season for ‘MSC Musica’ paralleled a cruise undertaken in early 2022 by her sistership ‘MSC Orchestra’. It was a unique ‘one-off’ cruise from Durban to Marion Island, South Africa’s only overseas possession, which lies in the South Indian Ocean, in the sub-Antarctic region at 46°35’ South 037°45’ East, and known as the ‘Flock to Marion AGAIN 2025’ cruise and running from 24th January to 31st January.

The reason for this special cruise is because the Prince Edward Islands, of which Marion Island is the largest, are the home to 29 species of seabird, including four species of Penguin, and five species of Albatross, with 25% of the world’s Wandering Albatross population nesting on the island. The voyage was a twitchers bucket list item, and ‘MSC Musica’ was filled with birdwatchers from all over the world. The cruise had added importance as it was also used to both support, and to raise funds for, the ‘Mouse Free Marion’ project. The project intends to eradicate mice from the island using a successful method of helicopters and air dropped bait.

Mice were accidentally introduced to Marion Island, most probably by sealers in the early 19th century. Over the years they have had a devastating impact on the ecology of the island. In recent decades, as a result of complex climate change issues, mice have begun feeding on nesting seabirds, which are defenseless. Without action, many of the Marion Island seabird species face local extinction. If not removed, the mice are predicted to cause the local extinction of 19 of the 29 bird species found on the island, some within the next 30 years.

On 6th March 2024, an 84-year-old passenger suffered a heart attack aboard the ‘MSC Musica’ when it was sailing off the coast of Uruguay, near Punta del Este on March 6, 2024. ADES, who are the local Uruguayan equivalent of the South African NSRI, or the UK RNLI, was tasked to affect the medevac. ADES dispatched their rescue craft ‘ADES 30′ to ‘MSC Musica’, where they successfully transferred the patient across, and brought him to Punta del Este, where he was transported by local ambulance to a nearby Hospital for further treatment.

Of interest to the casual maritime observer, who take an interest in Rescue Craft, ‘ADES 30’ was a former, 12 metre long, RNLI Mersey class lifeboat, built in 1992. She was named ‘Pride and Spirit’, and served on two RNLI stations in her career. She first served on the Dungeness Station, in the English county of Kent, and then on the Clifden Station, in the Irish county of Galway. She was one of 38 of the Mersey Class to be built for service with the RNLI, and operated with the fleet number ‘21-27’ on her hull. She was transferred to ADES, along with three other Mersey Class lifeboats, in 2021, and placed at Punta del Este for further lifesaving service.

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Resumption of Red Sea shipping uncertain following US air strikes

Africa Ports & Ships 

If you thought the Red Sea Houthi crisis was over you would be mistaken. At the weekend the US carried out aerial strikes against what it said were Houthi positions, although reports coming out of Yemen claim over 30 civilian deaths, including women and children, as well as more than a hundred injured.

The air strikes were reportedly aimed at the Iran-backed Yemeni terrorist group that occupies a significant part of the divided Red Sea/Gulf of Aden nation. Further strikes have been promised.

In the US President Donald Trump said he has ordered “decisive action” against the Houthi positions. Trump accused the organisation of waging “an unrelenting campaign of piracy, violence, and terrorism against American, and other, ships, aircraft, and drones.”

Trump said that no terrorist force will stop American commercial and naval shipping from freely using the Red Sea waterway. He also called on Iran to immediately stop its support for the Houthi military activity, adding a warning that “America won’t be nice” if Iran takes no notice of his warning.

The response from Iran was as expected, with Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi writing on X, “The United States Government has no authority, or business, dictating Iranian foreign policy. End support for Israeli genocide and terrorism. Stop killing of Yemeni people.”

In the meantime, a small but steadily increasing number of commercial ships had begun using the Red Sea/Suez Canal route, with the Suez Canal Authority reporting a corresponding increase in the number of ships crossing through the canal.

With the latest escalation following the US air strikes on Houthi positions and threats made against US-associated ships, it’s now more than likely that many companies will continue using the longer but safer Cape sea route.

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Intercargo adds its voice to the loss of seafarers in the attack on a bulker in Odesa

Africa Ports & Ships

Seafarers must never become targets in conflicts. That’s the message from the International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners (INTERCARGO), which says it is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of four seafarers in the recent attack on a bulk carrier in Odesa on 11 March 2025.

“INTERCARGO fully supports the statement issued by IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez and condemns in the strongest terms any attacks on merchant shipping and the innocent seafarers in its service.”

You may see that statement here

Speaking on behalf of the world’s dry bulk shipowners, INTERCARGO emphasised that the safety of seafarers must remain paramount.

“These dedicated professionals ensure the continuous flow of essential commodities and raw materials that sustain the global economy. They must never become targets in conflicts beyond their control.

“Once again, we must remind all stakeholders of the value of our seafarers and the imperative for their protection under international maritime law. The principle of freedom of navigation must be upheld to allow the safe trade of essential goods across the globe.”

With Non-Governmental Organisation status at the IMO, INTERCARGO remains actively involved in discussions and information sharing at the highest level.

Adding its profound condolences to the families and loved ones of those who have lost their lives, as well as those who were injured in this attack, INTERCARGO said it endorses the IMO’s stance that there must be caution and restraint to avoid further escalation of the situation.

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Congo Terminal secures major financing for expansion at Pointe-Noire Port

Africa Ports & Ships

Congo Terminal, a subsidiary of Africa Global Logistics (AGL), has secured a substantial financing package of 150.88 billion CFA francs (approximately 230 million euros) for the expansion of the Container Terminal at the Autonomous Port of Pointe-Noire.

The funding was arranged through a banking syndicate led by Crédit du Congo and Attijariwafa Bank, with contributions from several Congolese financial institutions, including EcoBank, International Commercial Bank, Sino-Congolese Bank for Africa, and BGFI Bank Congo.

The project has also attracted interest from international banks and institutions, underscoring its significance.

The financing will facilitate the construction of a new 750-metre quay by 2027, covering a 28-hectare area with a depth of 17 metres.

The expansion, part of a broader three-year development plan costing 361 million euros, is expected to enhance Congo’s maritime infrastructure and support economic growth in the region.

The project will allow the port to accommodate larger container ships, strengthening trade flows and increasing the competitiveness of the Congolese economy.

Crédit du Congo played a pivotal role in structuring the financing and coordinating the participation of partner banks. The involvement of key financial institutions highlights the confidence in the stability and growth potential of Congo Terminal.

“This achievement marks a major milestone for Congo Terminal and the country’s infrastructure development,” said Anthony Samzun, Managing Director of Congo Terminal.

“With the support of our partners, the terminal will be able to handle larger vessels, facilitating trade and boosting Congo’s international economic presence.”

Congo Terminal, a joint venture between AGL, APM Terminals, and SOCOTRANS, employs over 900 people and has been a crucial player in the region’s logistics sector.

Since 2009, it has held the exclusive concession for handling container and ro-ro vessels at the port. In August 2023, an agreement was signed extending its concession until the end of 2050 in exchange for the planned expansion.

Séraphin Bhalat, Director General of the Autonomous Port of Pointe-Noire, emphasized the project’s alignment with national economic ambitions.

“The Môle Est project supports President Denis Sassou-Nguesso’s vision to establish the port as a leading transshipment hub for the region. This initiative is a testament to a successful public-private partnership and the commitment to Congo’s economic advancement.”

Hicham Fadili, CEO of Crédit du Congo, highlighted the significance of local banks’ involvement.

“The financing of a private sector project of this magnitude is a first. It demonstrates the commitment of Congolese banks to driving economic growth and benefiting businesses, communities, and all stakeholders.”

The expansion reflects the Congolese government’s strategic push to meet increasing regional trade demands and boost local employment.

Congo Terminal remains a key player in this vision, contributing to infrastructure improvements, economic development, and social initiatives, including education and environmental protection.

Since 2022, the company has handled over one million TEUs annually, reinforcing its role as a critical component of the country’s logistics network.

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SA Port Statistics for February 2025

By Africa Ports & Ships

Port statistics for the month of February 2025, covering the eight commercial ports under the administration of Transnet National Ports Authority, are now available.

The statistics here reflect port cargo throughputs, ships berthed and auto and container volumes handled together with liquid and dry bulk volumes.

Motor vehicles are measured in vehicle units being the equal of 1 tonne per unit.

Containers are counted in TEUs, with each TEU representing 13.5 tonnes.

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Figures for the respective ports during February 2025 are:

Total cargo handled by tonnes during February 2025, including containers by weight

PORT	February 2025 million tonnes
Richards Bay	7.092
Durban	6.201
Saldanha Bay	5.425
Cape Town	1.457
Port Elizabeth	0.946
Ngqura	1.436
Mossel Bay	0.074
East London	0.358
Total all ports	22.990 million tonnes

CONTAINERS (measured by TEUs) during February 2025
(TEUs include Deepsea, Coastal, Transship and empty containers all subject to being invoiced by NPA

PORT	February 2025 TEUs
Durban	219,948
Cape Town	69,427
Port Elizabeth	6,559
Ngqura	59,109
East London	1,541
Richards Bay	–
Total all ports	356,584 TEU

MOTOR VEHICLES RO-RO TRAFFIC (measured by Units- CEUs) during February 2025

PORT	February 2025 CEUs
Durban	44,712
Cape Town	7
Port Elizabeth	11,820
East London	6,332
Richards Bay	0
Total all ports	62,871

SHIP CALLS for February 2025

PORT	February 2025 vessels	gross tons
Durban	256	9,448,870
Cape Town	161	3,678,532
Richards Bay	121	4,960,807
Port Elizabeth	79	1,665,739
Saldanha Bay	55	3,255,716
Ngqura	55	2,914,288
East London	25	728,544
Mossel Bay	24	247,981
Total ship calls	776	26,900,477

— source TNPA, with adjustments regarding container weights by Africa Ports & Ships

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DP World posts record $20 billion revenue and strong profit growth in 2024

Africa Ports & Ships

DP World has reported strong financial results for 2024, with a record revenue of $20.0 billion, marking a 9.7% increase from the previous year.

The company’s adjusted EBITDA also grew by 6.7%, reaching $5.5 billion, driven by strong performances in its ports and terminals operations, alongside contributions from recent acquisitions.

Key highlights from DP World’s annual report include:

• Revenue growth of 9.7% was fuelled by improved port and terminal operations and a 13.9% increase in revenue per TEU (Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit).
• Adjusted EBITDA saw a 6.7% rise, and the EBITDA margin for the year was 27.2%.
• Net profit for the year stood at $1.5 billion, though this was slightly down by 2.0% due to higher finance costs. Profit attributable to the company’s owners decreased by 27.2% to $751 million, reflecting higher costs and financial expenses.

DP World also continued to invest in its infrastructure, exceeding 100 million TEUs in capacity, with a capital expenditure of $2.2 billion in 2024, mainly focused on key locations such as Jebel Ali (UAE), London Gateway (UK), and Ndayane (Senegal).

The company plans a $2.5 billion budget for 2025 to further expand its portfolio.

The logistics giant remains focused on driving revenue synergies by offering tailored solutions for cargo owners, capitalizing on the growing demand for integrated supply chain services.

With strong cash generation of $5.5 billion and lower net leverage, DP World is well-positioned for sustainable growth, despite ongoing global uncertainties.

DP World’s commitment to sustainability was also highlighted, as the company issued its first blue bond worth $100 million and continued to make progress in reducing carbon emissions and increasing the use of renewable energy in its operations.

Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, DP World’s Chairman and CEO, expressed confidence in the company’s long-term growth potential, noting the company’s strategic focus on high-margin cargo, efficient supply chain solutions, and global infrastructure investments.

Despite the challenges posed by geopolitical risks, DP World remains optimistic about its ability to navigate the evolving global trade landscape.

With its strong performance in 2024, DP World is poised to maintain its leadership in global trade and logistics, offering resilience and growth opportunities for the future.

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The world regulated sulphur in ship fuels − and the lightning stopped

If you look at a map of lightning near the Port of Singapore, you’ll notice an odd streak of intense lightning activity right over the busiest shipping lane in the world. As it turns out, the lightning really is responding to the ships, or rather the tiny particles they emit.

Using data from a global lightning detection network, my colleagues and I have been studying how exhaust plumes from ships are associated with an increase in the frequency of lightning.

For decades, ship emissions steadily rose as increasing global trade drove higher ship traffic. Then, in 2020, new international regulations cut ships’ sulphur emissions by 77%. Our newly published research shows how lightning over shipping lanes dropped by half almost overnight after the regulations went into effect.

Shipping lanes (top image) and lightning strikes (bottom) near the Port of Singapore.
Chris WrightThat unplanned experiment demonstrates how thunderstorms, which can be 10 miles tall, are sensitive to the emission of particles that are smaller than a grain of sand. The responsiveness of lightning to human pollution helps us get closer to understanding a long-standing mystery: To what extent, if any, have human emissions influenced thunderstorms?

Aerosol particles can affect clouds?

Aerosol particles, also known as particulate matter, are everywhere. Some are kicked up by wind or produced from biological sources, such as tropical and boreal forests. Others are generated by human industrial activity, such as transportation, agricultural burning and manufacturing.

It’s hard to imagine, but in a single litre of air – about the size of a water bottle – there are tens of thousands of tiny suspended clusters of liquid or solid. In a polluted city, there can be millions of particles per litre, mostly invisible to the naked eye.

These particles are a key ingredient in cloud formation. They serve as seeds, or nuclei, for water vapor to condense into cloud droplets. The more aerosol particles, the more cloud droplets.