TODAY’S BULLETIN OF MARITIME NEWS
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- First View : FLEUR DU CAP
- Tanzania/Zambia sign deal to run trains to Dar es Salaam
- Marine tourism plan to grow economy
- Walvis Bay handles first ammonium nitrate shipment
- Approval for Second Indian Ocean Expedition for 2017-2020
- New offshore patrol vessel handed over to Kenya
- Suez Canal Authority offers big discounts for container ships
- PRESS RELEASES
- Expected Ship Arrivals and Ships in Port
- Cruise News and Naval Activities
- Pics of the Day : COSCO TENGFEI
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An arrival in the port of Durban this past week was the utility vessel FLEUR DU CAP (224-gt), looking splendid despite having 48 years since launching behind her. Not bad for a Durban-built ship, the first operational vessel to be designed and built (at Dorman Long) for the SA Navy. Back then she was a dive tender and torpedo recovery vessel. At that time she was named SAS FLEUR and one of her primary purposes was for the recovery of submarine test-fired torpedoes. The little ship has undergone some modification since her navy days, with the twin funnels considerably reduced in height, adding a much improved ‘look’ to her overall appearance. Likewise the gunwale along the side towards the stern has also been altered. Fleur du Cap is now owned by an outfit registered in the Cook Islands, a part of the New Zealand Pacific Island Territories. The company goes under the name Gulf Shipping Ltd-CKI and doesn’t appear to own other vessels and it is doubtful whether Fleur du Cap has ever been near those islands. In her navy days SAS Fleur was known to be a ‘lively’ ship at sea but whether this has somehow been improved remains to be seen. This picture is by Keith Betts
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TANZANIA/ZAMBIA SIGN DEAL TO RUN TRAINS TO DAR ES SALAAM
In a determined effort to claw back business lost to road transport, the respective railway companies of Tanzania and Zambia have reached agreement whereby each company’s trains will be permitted to operate on each other’s tracks.
What this means is that Zambia Railways Limited (ZRL) as well as Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA) will in future be able…[restrict] to operate through trains all the way between Ndola, Livingstone or Lusaka and the port at Dar es Salaam, instead of each authority having to halt or commence individual operations at Kapiri Mposhi.
According to Tazara managing director Bruno Ching’andu, Tazara will now be able to continue operating right into Zambia, while ZRL will run their trains seamlessly all the way into Tanzania and to the port at Dar es Salaam.
“This will help us attain our target of transporting about 350,000 metric tonnes of cargo in the financial year 2017/18.” he said last week.
Ching’andu said there was a need for innovative strategies that would help the company avoid a reliance of government aid, particularly in terms of improving the reliability and availability of the locomotives, rolling stock and equipment. “The authority has failed to cope with the huge demand from the market,” he said.
Currently Tazara is hauling around 180,000 tonnes a year and has made little inroad into traffic that goes by road. Trains that have to exchange control at Kapiri Mposhi, with changes of locomotive, delay the operation but whether this new measure will make any difference to the volumes being carried is not yet clear. Certainly the operational efficiency can improve with the new agreement but other improvements will also have to be introduced before cargo owners are convinced to make the switch from road to rail.
ZRL chief executive officer Christopher Musonda believes that the introduction of an open access train operation to provide a seamless type operation will help restore confidence in rail as a one-stop carrier.
The two railway authorities say that once the open access system is shown to be successful they hope to extend the idea to include the DRC.
Zambia appears to be heading towards the introduction of a transport quota system whereby 30% of all bulk cargo will have to be hauled by rail.
The Tazara railway consists of a single track railway from the Zambian town of Kapiri Mposhi to the port at Dar es Salaam, a distance of 1,860 kilometres.[/restrict]
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MARINE TOURISM PLAN TO GROW ECONOMY
The South African Cabinet has approved the Coastal and Marine Tourism Implementation Plan, which is set to grow the economy and boost tourism.
Developed under the auspices of the Operation Phakisa Oceans Economy, the plan will also seek to integrate coastal developments with existing inland experiences, with the view to maximise participation opportunities.
“The plan will uplift tourism in the ocean economy. It will grow a world-class and sustainable coastal and marine tourism destination that leverages South Africa’s competitive advantages in nature, culture and heritage,” said Communications Minister Ayanda Dlodlo, who was briefing the media on Thursday on Cabinet decisions.
The South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) says marine tourism ranks among the top four sub-sectors of the country’s maritime economic sector projected for phenomenal growth in the next two decades. According to the authority, it contributed R19 billion to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2013, with projections currently indicating yields as high as R44 billion in 2020 and rising rapidly to R134 billion in 2033, generating between 800 000 and one million jobs.
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WALVIS BAY HANDLES FIRST AMMONIUM NITRATE SHIPMENT
Namibia’s Port of Walvis Bay has scored with several new bulk consignments – one involving the very first shipment of Ammonium nitrate for mining purposes.
More than a year ago Namport was approached by the local shipping industry regarding the importation of ammonium nitrate. Not having handled this commodity previously this led…[restrict] to a major research project which included visiting other ports that handle the product.
Although ammonium nitrate is in itself not an explosive, it is regulated by the Namibian Explosives Regulations and therefore has to be treated as an explosive. Therefore, and in conjunction with the Namibian Police Explosives Unit, Namport drafted its own procedure on how to safely handle the product.
During the first quarter of 2017 Namport was given the green light for importation to be allowed by the Explosives Unit ad this was followed by all cargo terminals, security and emergency personnel undergoing proper induction.
On Monday, 31 July 2017 the first shipment of 1,000 tons of ammonium nitrate arrived on board the vessel AUTMUMN WIND, destined for Husab Mine.
The ammonium nitrate arrived in 1 ton bags and was offloaded over a period of four days at the Breakbulk terminal. Both the importer and the mine expressed their gratitude and satisfaction with the effective and safe handling of the product with this first shipment.
There will certainly be further shipments of this commodity in the future at the port of Walvis Bay.[/restrict]
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APPROVAL FOR SECOND INTERNATIONAL INDIAN OCEAN EXPEDITION 2017-2020
The South African Cabinet has approved South Africa’s participation in the Second International Indian Ocean Expedition for 2017 – 2020.
The participation will support South Africa’s chairmanship of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) in 2017/18.
South Africa plays a strategic role as one of seven… [restrict] founding members of the IORA. This opens opportunities beyond South Africa’s coastal marine and tourism, and extends opportunities to one third of the world’s coastline.
Communications Minister Ayanda Dlodlo announced that South Africa will use its research vessel, SA AGULHAS II, to conduct marine research, while training and building scientific capacity for South Africa and East Africa.
“The gathering of basic long-term environmental data and information will place the developing countries of the Indian Ocean Rim in a better position to conserve the integrity of its ocean and to find ways to unlock their respective potential ocean economies to improve the lives of their citizens,” the minister said. – SAnews.gov.za[/restrict]
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NEW OFFSHORE PATROL VESSEL HANDED OVER TO KENYA
The handing over of a new offshore patrol vessel for the Kenya Ministry of Fisheries, Livestock and Agriculture has taken place in Bangladesh.
The 54-metre long DORIA will leave for the East African coast by the end of August, after completing construction at Western Marine Shipyard in Bangladesh.
The new patrol vessel will take up duties…[restrict] on the Kenyan coastline after commissioning takes place in Mombasa following arrival.
Displacing 350 tons, the patrol vessel has a top speed of 35 knots and a range of 1500 nautical miles. She carries a crew of 12 and has accommodation for up to 60 passengers.
Main engine power comes from a MU/Niigata /MAN B&W propelling two controllable pitch propellers and a waterjet propulsion system for top speed performance.
Construction of the vessel is something of a milestone for Western Marine, being the first offshore patrol vessel to be built in Bangladesh.
Design of the OPV however came out of Icarus Marine in Cape Town, South Africa.[/restrict]
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SUEZ CANAL AUTHORITY OFFERS BIG DISCOUNTS FOR CONTAINER SHIPS
Suez Canal rates have been drastically reduced for container ships sailing in northerly and southerly directions but dependant on how many containers each ship carries.
This follows a similar reduction offered to large oil tankers last month (July) providing they were en route from the US to the Gulf. On that occasion discounts of…[restrict] up to 45% were available.
In June, the Suez Canal Authority announced discount offers at rates ranging between 45-65% for container ships sailing from ports on the East Coast of the United States on their way to ports in South and Southeast Asia.
Now the Suez Canal Authority says it will offer discounts of from 3% to 50% as from 1 October, based on how many containers are on each ship going in both directions.
According to the authority this is intended to attract greater numbers of ships using the canal as well as to demonstrate that the canal is a safe and efficient passageway between the East and the West.
Suez Canal Authority chairman Mohab Mamish told a press conference that service levels will not be affected by the discounts. “Reducing prices will not affect the quality of shipping services provided to vessels,” he promised.
Container ships carrying more than 200 containers will receive a 3% discount, ships with up to 500 containers 8% with an increasing discount up to ships with transit containers totalling more than 3,333 which will receive 50% discounts.
Revenue from the Suez Canal is Egypt’s main foreign earner but has fallen from US$5.175 billion in 2015 to $5.005 billion last year.[/restrict]
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Top Local Musicians to Rock this year’s Durban Port Festival
Durban: Popular South African music artists, Nasty C and Amanda Black, will be the headline acts at this year’s Durban Port Festival, hosted by Transnet National Ports Authority, in partnership with eThekwini Municipality, MSC Cruises, African Marine Solutions (AMSOL) and the South African Navy.
Durban Port Manager, Moshe Motlohi, said: “Over and above this being about the public learning more about our port, it’s also a platform for our local talent to showcase their capabilities. It was therefore important for us to ensure that our headline and supporting acts are local artists who are renowned in the industry.”
The event takes place from Saturday, 9 to Sunday, 10 September 2017, with the main stage at the Yacht Mole opposite the Royal Natal Yacht Club. Other activities will take place around the N-Shed cruise terminal facility in Quayside Road off Margaret Mncadi Avenue.
Durban-born rapper, songwriter and record producer Nasty C, 20, released the first single Hell Naw off his debut album Bad Hair Extensions early in 2016. It peaked at No. 4 on the South African music charts. He has recorded with artists including Cassper Nyovest and Anati. Nasty C won four categories at the Metro FM Music Awards and was the youngest recipient of an award at the 2015 South African Hip Hop Awards.
Amanda Black, who describes her genre of music as “Afro-soul with a fusion of hip-hop and a bit of soul and rhythm and blues”, saw tremendous success with her award-winning hit single Amazulu. It features on her debut studio album Amazulu which was certified platinum three weeks after its release. Black also gained widespread public attention as a Top 7 finalist on Season 11 of Idols.
Festivalgoers can also look forward to being entertained by the likes of DJ Nivaadh, Handsome DJ and Band, Sparks Bantwana and DJ Thukzin over the festival weekend.
Some of the other action lined up so far includes tours of South African Navy ships, tugboat rides, a careers exhibition focusing on maritime vocations, a sailing regatta, sea rescue displays, a special kids’ zone, live music, plus an array of other waterside and landside activities. There will also be a craft market and food stalls where goodies can be purchased from local stallholders.
The two-day festival is part of Transnet National Ports Authority’s (TNPA) efforts to bring communities closer to the ports, creating ‘Smart People’s Ports’ that foster community engagement, tourism, leisure, recreation, and career and business opportunities.
The Durban Port Festival not only celebrates our city’s marine and maritime identity, but also the importance of our Oceans Economy, which government has earmarked as a catalyst for job creation and economic growth.
Entry to the Durban Port Festival is R30 for adults and R10 for children under the age of 16, with tickets available through Computicket. Festivities will run from 10h00 until 20h00 on Saturday, 9 September and from 10h00 until 17h00 on Sunday 10 September.
Watch the press and follow #DurbanPortFestival and #experienceourport on social media for further details. TNPA can be found on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram as @TransnetNPA.
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EXPECTED SHIP ARRIVALS and SHIPS IN PORT
Port Louis – Indian Ocean gateway port
Ports & Ships publishes regularly updated SHIP MOVEMENT reports including ETAs for ports extending from West Africa to South Africa to East Africa and including Port Louis in Mauritius.
In the case of South Africa’s container ports of Durban, Ngqura, Ports Elizabeth and Cape Town links to container Stack Dates are also available.
You can access this information, including the list of ports covered, by going HERE remember to use your BACKSPACE to return to this page.
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CRUISE NEWS AND NAVAL ACTIVITIES
QM2 in Cape Town. Picture by Ian Shiffman
We publish news about the cruise industry here in the general news section.
Naval News
Similarly you can read our regular Naval News reports and stories here in the general news section.
PICS OF THE DAY : COSCO TENGFEI
The Chinese car carrier COSCO TENGFEI (51,699-gt) is seen arriving in Durban last week in these two photographs – one on a zoom and the other the close up which better shows the sheer size of the vessel. In spite of appearances the ship is one of the small to medium size Ro-Ro type car carriers, at 174 metres in length and 32m wide and a 9.4m draught but nevertheless a respectable carrying capacity of 5,000 motor cars. Her name means SOARING HIGH – together with her sister ship COSCO SHENGSHI she was built in 2011, with each ship costing US$53 million to build. Cosco Tengfei operates with a service speed of 20 knots. These pictures are by Keith Betts
THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK
“…Reasoning will never make a Man correct an ill Opinion, which by Reasoning he never acquired…”
– Jonathan Swift, 1721 [“I have heard it remarked, that men are not to be reasoned out of an opinion that they have not reasoned themselves into.” – Fisher Ames, 1786]
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